Concern Over Winter Readiness for Gaza’s Displaced
As winter approaches, shelter specialists working in the Gaza Strip warn that thousands of tents supplied by China, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia offer only limited protection against rain, wind, and cold. While the international aid drive has delivered a rapid short-term solution for shelter, experts say the structures are not built to withstand the harsh winter climate that Gaza often experiences.
What the Tents Can (and Cannot) Do
The current relief tents are designed to provide immediate, basic cover following displacement caused by conflict. They shield occupants from direct exposure and offer a vote of relief to families who have lost their homes. However, shelter specialists note that the tents generally lack the insulation, robust weatherproofing, and space needed for long-term living during the winter months. In many cases, the tents offer only a temporary barrier against wind and rain rather than a durable dwelling that can endure prolonged storms.
Key limitations cited by experts include:
- Insufficient insulation to keep occupants warm during cold nights.
- Limited resistance to heavy or repeated rainfall, risking interior dampness and mold.
- Small internal footprints that fail to accommodate households, bedding, and basic furnishings
- Short-term durability; many tents are not designed for extended use beyond a few months.
These deficiencies can contribute to health risks, including respiratory issues and skin problems, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. Shelter specialists emphasize that without more resilient housing solutions, winter conditions could turn tents into a recurring humanitarian concern rather than a temporary stopgap.
Humanitarian Implications and Calls for Durable Solutions
The emphasis among aid workers is shifting from rapid response to durable, sustainable shelter. While emergency tents play a crucial role in immediate displacement scenarios, there is a growing consensus that agencies must coordinate longer-term housing plans. This includes improving tent designs to be more weather-resistant, supplying better ground insulation, and facilitating access to secure shaded spaces that protect families against rain, wind, and temperature swings.
Experts argue that to weather the Gaza winter, a multi-pronged approach is required. This could involve:
- Enhanced quick-assembly shelters with better insulation and moisture barriers.
- Portions of non-tent housing options, such as modular shelters or refurbished shelters, where feasible.
- Support for climate-resilient infrastructure, including drainage improvements to prevent flood-prone areas from becoming uninhabitable.
- Increased stockpiles of winterized supplies like warm clothing, blankets, and heating devices, paired with robust maintenance and repair services for shelters.
International donors, governments, and non-governmental organizations are urged to align their aid with a winter-ready shelter strategy. This means prioritizing quality, durability, and livability, even within the constraints of emergency funding. The ultimate goal is to reduce the vulnerability of displaced families and give them access to a safer, warmer shelter that can function through the season rather than merely offering a provisional cover.
What This Means for the Ground Situation
For families living in tents today, the winter months will stress not only their physical endurance but also their sense of security. As aid organizations map out distribution and deployment plans for the coming weeks, the message from shelter experts is clear: emergency tents are essential, but they must be accompanied by a concerted move toward warmer, more durable shelter options. This will require continued funding, logistics coordination, and a willingness from donors to adapt strategies in response to on-the-ground realities.
In the meantime, residents are grateful for the material aid but remain hopeful for more comprehensive, climate-adaptive housing solutions that can withstand Gaza’s winter without compromising dignity or safety.
