Gaza’s Islamic University becomes shelter for displaced Palestinians

The Islamic University of Gaza, heavily damaged during Israeli military operations, has become an improvised shelter for Palestinian families displaced by the ongoing conflict. The campus and its surroundings now host displaced households living in makeshift tents and partially destroyed buildings, struggling to survive under extreme winter conditions.

From Educational Hub to Makeshift Refuge

Once a leading academic institution in Gaza, the university’s buildings now provide meager protection from the cold and rain for families who have lost their homes. With no adequate heating, running water, or sanitation, living conditions are dire. The site reflects the broader collapse of civilian infrastructure in Gaza, where an estimated 1.5 million people are displaced, and thousands of buildings have been destroyed or damaged.

Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict

The conversion of the university into a shelter underscores the acute shortage of safe housing in the enclave. Families face not only exposure to the elements but also heightened risks of disease, malnutrition, and psychological distress. Despite a nominal ceasefire, Israeli restrictions on aid and construction materials have severely hindered the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the possibility of rebuilding.

Symbol of Resilience and Systematic Destruction

The Islamic University now stands as a symbol of both Palestinian resilience and the systematic devastation of Gaza’s public infrastructure—including schools, hospitals, and cultural centers. Its current use as a refuge highlights how the war has erased the line between civilian and educational spaces, forcing institutions meant for development to serve as bare survival shelters.