As the war in Gaza enters its second year, the prices of ready-made tents and materials for constructing shelters have surged. Essential items such as warm blankets, clothing, and firewood are increasingly scarce or prohibitively expensive, leaving many displaced civilians without viable housing options or income.
Displaced individuals are preparing for a challenging winter, which many anticipate will be harsher than the previous year. Approximately two million residents in Gaza have been displaced at least once due to ongoing conflict, exacerbating the difficulties faced by a population already suffering from frequent Israeli bombardments and widespread instability.
Recently, Israel issued additional evacuation orders for northern Gaza while intensifying military operations in the south, resulting in the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, yet there has been little progress toward resolving the conflict.
Mahmoud Abu Helal, a 33-year-old pharmacist, has been living in a makeshift tent with 12 relatives since fleeing Rafah in May. Initially expecting to return home shortly, he now faces the reality of living in a tent camp in Al-Mawasi for over five months. He expressed concern about the impending winter, noting that their tent offers little protection from rain and that they lack adequate winter clothing.
Food and water have been primary concerns for months, but Abu Helal now prioritizes clothing, which has become largely unaffordable. The Israeli military has urged residents to evacuate northern Gaza, directing them toward the south, where many have already crowded into Al-Mawasi, a previously less populated area.
Despite claims from Israeli officials that Al-Mawasi is safer, it continues to experience airstrikes targeting suspected Hamas locations. Some residents have expressed reluctance to move south, citing a lack of basic necessities.
The Norwegian Refugee Council reported that over one million displaced Palestinians in central and southern Gaza urgently require kits to prepare or repair shelters before winter. Many materials provided by aid agencies are no longer usable, and the influx of new tents has significantly decreased.
Israel controls the entry of goods into Gaza and restricts items deemed to have dual-use potential. However, tents are not classified as such, according to the Israeli military agency coordinating aid. The overall lack of aid has raised concerns among humanitarian organizations, prompting inquiries from Israel’s Supreme Court and warnings from the Biden administration regarding potential consequences for U.S. military assistance to Israel.
According to UNRWA, manufactured tents have become a luxury, with prices reaching hundreds of dollars. Many families are forced to create makeshift shelters from available materials. Hazem Hassouna, who has been displaced six times, is waiting for assistance from aid organizations but remains uncertain about what help will arrive.
Hassouna currently shares a tent with his wife and four children, which is vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains. He noted that a tarp to protect against flooding costs around $200, a sum he cannot afford. His family struggles to secure food, making the purchase of essential items like tarps impossible.
Firewood for cooking and heating has also become costly and scarce. With limited blankets, family members are forced to share, leading to dire living conditions. Hassouna expressed his despair, stating, “I will be drowning in winter, seriously,” as he faces the harsh realities of the approaching season.