UN Reaches Qusra Families as Gaza Shelter Crisis Deepens
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- UN teams reached Palestinian families in Qusra village who had been trapped for days by Israeli settlers following the establishment of a settlement outpost nearby, with UNICEF delivering water, food, medicines, hygiene items, and recreational kits.
- OCHA reported that three Palestinian families in Qusra remained surrounded by Israeli forces and settlers as of Monday, while municipal workers repairing damaged water and electricity connections were attacked by settlers and detained by Israeli forces.
- OHCHR documented escalating settler violence in Qusra since a nearby outpost was established in November 2025, noting that three Palestinian families (~15 people including at least two children) were confined to their homes "in a state of terror" in the Ras al Ein area.
- Gaza faced continued Israeli air strikes, shelling, gunfire, and naval fire over the weekend, primarily west of the Yellow Line where 2.1 million people are confined to less than half the enclave's former land mass.
- UN humanitarian partners have purchased fewer than 30,000 tents for Gaza's coming rainy season—most stuck outside the enclave—against an estimated need of 80,000 to 130,000, with durable shelter materials still barred from entry.
- Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator and humanitarian coordinator, said recent West Bank developments underscore the urgent need to protect civilians, safeguard homes and property, and ensure access to essential services.
Why it matters: With less than 40% of the $4 billion required for humanitarian support secured across Gaza and the West Bank, the UN's partial relief in Qusra contrasts sharply with Gaza's worsening shelter crisis—fewer than 30,000 tents purchased against a need of 80,000-130,000, most stuck outside the enclave ahead of winter.
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