Overview
- The International Organization for Migration said on Oct 9, 2026 that nearly 1.8 million people in Gaza will enter a fourth winter without adequate protection from rain, flooding and cold.
- New Google Earth comparisons and agency assessments show whole neighbourhoods in Rafah, Khan Younis and Gaza City reduced to rubble, leaving many families living in worn tents or unsafe, war-damaged buildings.
- Humanitarian groups say Israeli authorities classify basic shelter items as ‘dual use,’ limit entry to a small number of designated lorryloads per week and have turned away roughly 8,600 pre-positioned IOM shelter kits at crossings.
- The Norwegian Refugee Council says the minimum winter shelter response needs $283 million, donors have pledged $96.2 million, about 500 lorryloads of materials are in the pipeline and current entry rates would take more than seven months to deliver them.
- Aid agencies and WHO warn that damaged drainage, shortages of heavy machinery and fuel, and stronger El Niño rains will raise risks of flooding, building collapse and disease, worsening the daily dangers families already face.