In the war-torn Gaza Strip, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are attempting to return to their homes only to find widespread devastation, deepening an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. With more than 90 % of homes damaged or destroyed across the territory due to years of conflict and bombardment, families have little shelter or infrastructure to return to, forcing many to live in tents or makeshift camps that offer scant protection from weather and cold.
Despite a fragile ceasefire in place since late 2025, essential services such as electricity, water, food and medical supplies remain severely restricted, contributing to acute food insecurity and worsening living conditions for Gaza’s roughly 2.3 million people. Aid agencies warn that millions still lack adequate housing and basic necessities as winter weather and heavy rains batter displacement camps.
Families retracing their steps into ruined neighbourhoods often find little more than rubble, with collapsed buildings and debris replacing streets and homes. Many returnees are bracing for years of struggling to rebuild amid ongoing shortages of shelter materials, medicine and fuel. Humanitarian groups stress that sustained international aid and unimpeded access are urgently needed to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the mounting suffering of civilians in Gaza, where famine and disease risk remain a dire threat. News as reported.
