LocationsFinding a sense of home in Gaza during a period of transition
Fasting and faith during Ramadan
March 12, 2026
UNDP's temporary shelters are providing extra protection and privacy for families in Gaza.
Photo: UNDP PAPP
In Gaza, 1.9 million Palestinians, or about 90 percent of the population, have been displaced at least once since October 2023. Constant movements, amid insecurity and life in tents with little privacy and protection from the weather has unfortunately become the new normal for most families.
In January, following a cold, rainy winter, UNDP began installing the first batch of transitional shelters, known as relief housing units. Coordinating closely with the Palestinian Government Operations Room, and relevant ministries, sites have been identified and the units will be used both as health clinics and as family dwellings.
The first arrivals coincided with the holy month of Ramadan. While the relief housing units do not replace properly constructed homes, they do provide more privacy and better shelter. Following the October 2025 ceasefire, this year’s Ramadan feels different than the last for some families.
In Gaza, 1.9 million Palestinians, or about 90 percent of the population, have been displaced at least once since October 2023.
Photo: UNDP PAPP
“Last year at this time, we were very worried about our community healing. The tent we were in would blow away and fall in the wind and we were scared. Our food would become wet from the rain, so I was struggling. With this new unit, we sit in it and we are comfortable. We eat, drink and sleep safely. It has privacy, it has protection, it has many advantages–this solid tent is better, it's like I am in my house. I don't feel that I am in a camp. Also, because it has provided us with a solar-powered light, I don't have to go outside in search of light.”
—Qamar
Qamar's family is among the first to move from a tent into more durable housing unit. Approximately 200,000 units are needed to house displaced Palestinian families in Gaza.
Photo: UNDP PAPP
A coordinated response to community needs in Gaza is taking place through joint assessments. Additional transitional shelter units are ready and prepositioned to be brought into Gaza.
This is part of UNDP’s coordination with other UN agencies to provide essential services to Palestinians through a neighbourhood approach, including shelter, water, solid waste disposal, health services and education.
The relief housing units are composed of a metal framing covered by panels. They provide a dignified temporary housing solution during times of crisis.
Photo: UNDP PAPP
Rasha’s family of six recently moved from their tent into a newly installed relief housing unit.
“My whole family stays here. It's like a private pavilion and the solar light helps us a lot during Ramadan for suhoor and iftar. The best thing for me is the light. We can now sit and relax. We can open and close the door, and you can actually lean your back against the walls.”
—Rasha
Rasha’s family of six recently moved from a tent into a new housing unit, part of UNDP's mission to provide a wide range of essential services to displaced Palestinian families in Gaza.
Photo: UNDP PAPP
The relief housing units are composed of a metal framing covered by panels. They provide a dignified temporary housing solution during times of crisis.
Waleed’s family is pleased with their new accommodation. However, although the units provide better shelter than a tent, they are not intended to provide a long-term housing solution.
“The unit is spacious, with a wide and clean surface. However, we do still get cold at night.”
—Waleed
Waleed’s family is pleased with their new relief housing unit, which provides better shelter than tents, while not intended to be a long-term solution.
Photo: UNDP PAPP
Relief housing units are also being used as health points across the Gaza Strip. They were identified in coordination with WHO and the Ministry of Health and are staffed with healthcare workers in partnership with the Palestinian NGOs network and with doctors supported and paid through UNDP.
Sustained access for equipment and materials is vital to ensure transitional and prefabricated units can be provided for all families in need during the interim period between conflict and reconstruction.
Families are eager to rebuild their homes, however approximately 200,000 units are needed to support the scale of displaced Palestinian families.
UNDP is grateful to the Government of Germany through KfW Development Bank, to the Republic of Korea, and to Sweden, for their generous support in financing the shelter units.
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