News|Israel-Palestine conflict‘Another Nakba’: UN expert says Gaza recovery will take generationsUN special rapporteur on right to housing says Palestinians returning to destroyed northern Gaza face ‘profound trauma’.
## Humanitarian Relief and Housing in Gaza
Humanitarian Relief and Housing in Gaza
The United Nations has called for the immediate delivery of tents and caravans to the Gaza Strip. This action is essential for displaced Palestinians returning to the northern areas of Gaza, where their homes and neighborhoods have been destroyed.
Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, reports that many people are finding only rubble in areas previously occupied by Israeli forces in northern Gaza. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has allowed tens of thousands of Palestinians to return to these areas, although the psychological impact and trauma remain significant.
The conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of over 67,700 people since October 2023, has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The UN estimates that 92% of all residential buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, forcing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to reside in tents and makeshift shelters.
The United Nations has called for the immediate delivery of tents and caravans to the Gaza Strip.
Rajagopal highlighted that although tents and caravans were intended to be delivered to Gaza during a previous ceasefire, the strict blockade imposed by Israel prevented their entry. This blockade continues to hinder immediate relief and aid efforts for Gaza's residents, making it crucial for Israel to relax control over entry points to facilitate humanitarian assistance.
The destruction of housing in Gaza has been identified as a significant aspect of the ongoing conflict, with Rajagopal describing it as "domicide." He emphasized that the eradication of homes and the displacement of individuals contribute to the broader humanitarian crisis.
The recovery process is expected to take generations, with the current situation drawing comparisons to historical events of ethnic cleansing in the region. The ongoing challenges underscore the need for sustained international support to address the humanitarian needs of Gaza's population.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
