By Esther Ososanya
International aid organisations say shelter materials are not yet reaching Gaza, despite Israeli authorities claiming restrictions have been lifted.
Delays in deliveries could worsen the plight of displaced Palestinians, with over 1.3 million people currently lacking tents.
Aid groups report that for nearly six months, Israel effectively blocked materials like tent poles, citing potential military uses. Officials from five aid agencies, including U.N. bodies, blamed customs and bureaucratic hurdles for continued delays.
Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said:
“The United Nations and our partners have not been able to bring in shelter materials following the Israeli announcement. There’s a set of impediments that still needs to be addressed, including Israeli customs clearance.”
CARE International, ShelterBox, and the Norwegian Refugee Council reported no authorisation to deliver tents or other shelter items. One unnamed NGO confirmed efforts to obtain clearance were still ongoing.
Dire Conditions for Displaced Families
Many displaced Gazans are living in tents or rubble. Ibrahim Tabassi, 55, in Khan Younis, described his cramped tent shared with nine family members, made from tarpaulin and scrap metal.
“Life in the tent is no life at all… There’s no proper bathroom, not even a decent place to sit,” he said.
Sanaa Abu Jamous also lamented the deteriorating condition of her tent, which she has used throughout the war.
Israel announced shelter deliveries would be allowed via the Kerem Shalom Crossing, subject to security inspections. The Red Cross has permission to bring supplies through the Jordanian corridor, but other aid agencies, including CARE and the Norwegian Refugee Council, are still awaiting approvals for thousands of tents.
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Many organisations have resisted Israeli demands to register personnel, which would require disclosing sensitive information about Palestinian staff. COGAT insists this is a security screening to prevent aid diversion to Hamas.
Haroon Altaf, ShelterBox regional director, warned: “If it’s only a handful of organisations that can bring shelter aid in, it doesn’t really change much and it’s deeply concerning. People are going to die because of it.”
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
