IOM warns Gaza’s 1.8 million face shelter crisis

The International Organization for Migration warned on October 9, 2026 that nearly 1.8 million people in Gaza need urgent shelter assistance for a fourth winter without adequate protection. Only about 17 percent of identified winter shelter needs have been met. More than half of tents and makeshift shelters are in poor condition. An August assessment found more than 3,600 structures dangerous or at risk of collapse. IOM Director General Amy Pope said, "Families who have already endured repeated displacement and devastating loss must be able to face the winter in safety and dignity." About 8,600 emergency shelter kits remain blocked by Israeli authorities as dual-use. COGAT did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment; Israel cites security concerns. IOM has brought in some tarpaulin and tents short of needed scale. El Niño, possibly the strongest ever per the UN weather agency, may bring heavy rain and flooding where over half of displacement sites are in medium-to-high flood-risk zones and drainage is heavily damaged. One account frames the October 2023 war as Israel's response to Hamas' assault; others call it a war launched by Israel. Need counts also appear as about 1.77 million or almost 2 million.