United Nations: 94% of Gaza's population needs shelter

CAIRO – 21 August 2026: A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a sharp deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing that excessive entry restrictions on equipment and a critical lack of funding have left shelter assistance far below necessary levels.

The UN spokesperson explained that nearly two-thirds of families in Gaza are now living in tents or temporary shelters whose quality is rapidly deteriorating under harsh weather conditions. He noted that approximately 94% of the region's 2.1 million residents are in dire need of shelter and basic household assistance.

The statement highlighted a massive funding shortfall in emergency response operations, with Gaza's shelter sector urgently requiring $562 million. With less than a quarter of this amount secured, relief efforts remain severely hampered, further exacerbating the suffering of displaced people across the Strip.