UN Rapporteur Urges Urgent Shelter for 1 Million Gazans Before Winter

The UN’s special rapporteur on the right to housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, has called for immediate action to provide shelter for nearly one million displaced Palestinians in Gaza as winter approaches, Anadolu Agency revealed yesterday.

Many have sought refuge in Deir al-Balah, living in difficult conditions in a makeshift tent city since fleeing their homes due to ongoing Israeli attacks.

Rajagopal emphasized the dire need for “urgent shelter supplies,” stating, “A million people in Gaza need urgent shelter supplies before winter sets in. Action now!” His comments come amid a brutal offensive by Israel that began following a cross-border attack by Hamas in October 2023. Despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding a cease-fire, the violence has continued unabated.

Local health authorities report that the conflict has resulted in approximately 41,500 deaths, predominantly among women and children, with over 96,000 individuals injured. The ongoing blockade has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leading to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.

As the situation deteriorates, Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.