UNRWA Reports 94% of Gaza Residents in Need of Shelter Assistance

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has reported that approximately 1.98 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, accounting for 94% of the total population, are in dire need of shelter assistance and non-food items. This comes as the humanitarian and living conditions in the area continue to deteriorate. The agency's assessment, which covered 113 sites, also found that 58% of the population faces critical or catastrophic shelter needs.

According to the UNRWA report, 18 emergency shelters were deemed unsafe, with some facing an extremely high risk of collapse. The agency also highlighted the dire water situation, with 84% of the population experiencing frequent and irregular interruptions in clean water supplies. Furthermore, 89% of households in Gaza suffer from a severe lack of basic hygiene essentials, exacerbating health and humanitarian risks, particularly with the onset of winter.

The UNRWA findings coincide with ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement in place since October 2025. These violations have resulted in the deaths of 1,602 Palestinians and injuries to 5,799 others, according to data from the Gaza Ministry of Health. The situation is part of a broader context of Israeli actions in Gaza since October 8, 2023, which have included killings, starvation, destruction, displacement, arrests, and illness, and have been widely condemned.

The Israeli actions have caused massive destruction and have displaced hundreds of thousands of people, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. The UNRWA report emphasizes the urgent need for assistance to address the critical shelter and hygiene needs of the population. The agency's efforts aim to provide support to those affected by the ongoing crisis.

The crisis in Gaza has led to significant human suffering, with over 250,000 Palestinians killed or injured, mostly women and children. The situation has also resulted in over 11,000 missing persons and widespread destruction, leaving many cities and areas uninhabitable. The international community has called for an end to the violence and for Israel to comply with international law.

The UNRWA report highlights the need for sustained international support to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The agency's efforts, along with those of other humanitarian organizations, aim to provide critical assistance to those in need. The situation in Gaza remains a pressing concern, with many calling for a lasting resolution to the conflict.

The UNRWA report is based on a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Gaza, including data from 113 sites. The agency's findings underscore the urgent need for shelter assistance, hygiene essentials, and other forms of support. The international community must continue to provide assistance to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Key points

• 94% of Gaza's population, or nearly 1.98 million people, urgently need shelter and non-food aid.
• 58% of the population faces critical or catastrophic shelter needs.
• 84% of the population experiences frequent and irregular interruptions in clean water supplies.