IOM Warns 2 Million in Gaza Lack Winter Shelter

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned on Friday that nearly 2 million people in the Gaza Strip require tents or shelter assistance before the onset of winter. The agency reports that humanitarian actors have met only 17% of these needs, leaving the majority of the population vulnerable to heavy rainfall expected from the El Niño weather phenomenon, which threatens to flood damaged drainage systems and weaken unstable buildings.

Israeli authorities have blocked 8,600 emergency shelter kits, classifying materials such as wood and tarps as dual-use or dangerous goods. While some tents and tarpaulins have entered the enclave, the IOM states the volume is insufficient. Currently, 1.8 million people reside in displacement sites, with 56% of these locations facing medium to high flood risks and over half of existing makeshift shelters in poor condition.

IOM officials warn that continued restrictions on construction materials and temporary housing units will lead to a deterioration in shelter quality and increased population density. These conditions are expected to trigger a rise in communicable diseases and a loss of community cohesion. The agency is calling for immediate access to supplies to prevent further displacement during the winter months.