Gaza media office says 162,000 tents unusable before winter

September 24, 2026 at 02:30 AM1 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Gaza's Government Media Office said on Tuesday that 162,000 of the 270,000 tents sheltering displaced families are worn out and unusable. Director General Ismail al-Thawabta warned that without urgent intervention, winter will be a catastrophe for Palestinians. The warning comes as first autumn rains raise fears of flooding in makeshift camps.

Key Facts

Gaza's Government Media Office said 162,000 of 270,000 tents are completely worn out and unusable.
Director General Ismail al-Thawabta said 60% of tents need urgent replacement before winter.
More than 90% of Gaza's population lives in makeshift tents, shelters, or rubble, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Social Development.
Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 73,000 Palestinians killed and more than 174,000 wounded since October 8, 2023.

Tent Deterioration

Gaza's Government Media Office said field inspections found 162,000 of 270,000 tents completely worn out and unusable. Director General Ismail al-Thawabta said the tents cannot provide basic protection against wind, rain, and freezing winter cold. He warned that children, women, and the sick face serious life-threatening dangers.

Winter Catastrophe Warning

Al-Thawabta said winter will be a full catastrophe for Palestinians if the shelter crisis is not urgently addressed. He called on the international community and humanitarian organizations to move tents and winter supplies into Gaza. First autumn rains have heightened fears of flooding in camps where homes and infrastructure were destroyed.

Infrastructure Destruction

The Palestinian Ministry of Social Development said more than 90% of Gaza's population lives in makeshift tents, shelters, or rubble. UNICEF recorded that repeated winter storms and flooding destroyed thousands of temporary shelters. Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 73,000 Palestinians killed and more than 174,000 wounded since October 8, 2023. Israeli attacks have destroyed 90% of Gaza's housing, infrastructure, and basic service facilities.