Over 75,000 displaced Palestinians shelter in UN buildings in Gaza

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has announced that more than 75,000 displaced Palestinians are currently sheltering across 100 of its facilities in the Gaza Strip. In a statement released Tuesday, the agency noted that many of these buildings have sustained damage and are operating beyond capacity while serving as emergency shelters for civilians displaced by ongoing hostilities.

Humanitarian Conditions and UN Response

UNRWA confirmed its teams are working "tirelessly to keep shelters safe and dignified" by providing essential services including water, sanitation, waste collection, and hygiene support daily. The challenging conditions reflect the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where many facilities lack basic necessities and struggle to accommodate the large numbers of displaced families seeking refuge from the conflict.

Scale of Displacement in Gaza

According to Gaza's Government Media Office, approximately two million of the territory's 2.4 million residents have been displaced during the conflict. The office further reported that nearly 288,000 Palestinian families have been left homeless, with displaced civilians facing severe challenges in overcrowded areas that lack adequate living conditions and essential resources.

Ceasefire Context and Casualty Figures

The humanitarian situation persists despite a ceasefire that took effect on October 10 as part of a US-backed diplomatic initiative. The agreement's first phase includes prisoner exchanges and outlines plans for Gaza's reconstruction and new governance structures. Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reports the conflict has resulted in over 68,800 fatalities and more than 170,600 injuries since October 2023.