IOM: Nearly all Gaza residents need shelter before winter
The International Organization for Migration warned that nearly all residents of Gaza need shelter before winter, with heavy rains expected due to the El Niño phenomenon. It noted that only 17% of winter shelter needs have been met, and that occupation authorities prevented the entry of 8,600 shelter kits.
The UN's International Organization for Migration warned that nearly all residents of the Gaza Strip need tents or shelter assistance before winter. The organization predicted that the El Niño climate phenomenon would bring heavy rains, while supplies remain scarce due to Israeli restrictions. It added that El Niño could be the strongest on record, further weakening unsafe buildings and causing floods. IOM Director General Amy Pope stated that about two million people in the Strip need assistance, but only about 17% of winter shelter needs have been met. She stressed the need for families to face winter safely and with dignity. The organization noted that occupation authorities did not allow the entry of about 8,600 emergency shelter kits. It pointed out that more than half of the tents and temporary shelters in the Strip need replacement. It reported that over 3,600 buildings were classified in August as dangerous and at risk of collapse, and that about 1.8 million people live in displacement sites, most of which are at risk of flooding.