Gaza’s winter challenge: shelter that barely shields
As winter approaches, thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza face a harsh question: will the tents provided by international donors withstand the season’s rain, wind, and cold? An assessment by shelter specialists in the territory has raised concerns that the current stock of tents, donated by countries including China, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, offers only limited protection against the elements. The findings highlight a broader humanitarian dilemma: how to ensure durable, safe shelter for families who have already endured months or years of conflict and displacement.
What the assessment found
The shelter specialists evaluated a cross-section of the tents distributed across Gaza’s sprawling camps and informal settlements. While the tents serve a critical immediate need—rapid deployment and lower upfront costs—the review concluded several vulnerabilities that could be exacerbated by winter storms:
- Weatherproofing gaps: Many tents lack adequate waterproofing, gap sealing, and insulation, leaving interiors susceptible to leaks and drafts during rain and cold snaps.
- Structural concerns: Some tent frames show signs of wear or fragility under high winds, raising fears of partial collapses or torn canvas, especially in exposed locations.
- Sanitation and health risks: Limited protection from the elements can worsen damp conditions, contributing to respiratory issues and mold in cramped living spaces.
- Limited durability: The lifespan of these tents may not extend through the worst winter months, potentially driving households toward repeated cycles of displacement or relocation.
Experts emphasize that tents can be a vital temporary solution but are not a substitute for durable housing. They caution that without additional safeguarding measures, families living in tents will face ongoing hardship as temperatures drop and rain intensifies.
Who supplied the tents—and why this matters
The relief effort in Gaza has drawn tents from multiple international donors. China, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are among the prominent providers, underscoring the global reach of humanitarian aid in response to the crisis. The diversity of donors reflects broad international solidarity, but the assessment stresses that the type, quality, and adaptability of tents must match the harsh realities of Gaza’s winter climate.
Donor countries and aid organizations are now confronted with a crucial question: how can aid be scaled and improved to bridge the gap between immediate relief and long-term protection? The goal is not only to shelter families but to ensure safe, dry spaces that can sustain basic daily life through the winter and beyond.
Practical steps to improve shelter and protection
Several recommendations emerge from shelter specialists’ analysis that could help mitigate winter risks for thousands of families:
- Enhanced weatherproofing: Upgrading tents with better waterproof coverings, rain sleaves, and moisture barriers to reduce leaks and condensation.
- Insulation and warmth: Simple insulation strategies and portable heating alternatives where safe, along with thermal blankets for households in deepest cold.
- Wind-resistant designs: Replacing or reinforcing tent frames to withstand gusts, especially in exposed areas near the coastline or open fields.
- Site planning and drainage: Improved site layout to prevent water pooling, with controlled drainage and elevated flooring where feasible.
- Transition to durable shelters: Clear timelines and funding for transitional shelters that provide longer-term protection while permanent housing options are pursued.
Humanitarian actors also stress the importance of integrating shelter improvements with WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) services, shelter management training, and psychosocial support to help families cope with the ongoing trauma of displacement.
What this means for families on the ground
For displaced Palestinians, winter is not just about cold nights; it is about maintaining health, safety, and privacy in spaces that remain fragile. The emerging assessment serves as a call to action for donors, humanitarian organizations, and host communities to prioritize shelter quality alongside speed of delivery. By combining rapid-provision tents with durable upgrades and longer-term housing strategies, aid efforts can better protect vulnerable families through Gaza’s winter and into the future.
