Gaza establishes 1st shelter camp for displaced amid conflict

The first shelter camp for displaced Palestinians was set up by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in the battered enclave on Thursday, reported Xinhua.

Established at the UNRWA industrial training station in the heart of Gaza, the shelter camp has become a temporary home for numerous families who have been forced to seek refuge as a result of the Israeli military campaign that has been going on since Oct. 7.

Some displaced locals told Xinhua that they were informed by the UNRWA that they would receive shelters to live in soon.

People in various places in the coastal enclave have spoken to Xinhua about the dire conditions at their new dwelling place with minimal aid and an absence of proper health facilities.

Families found themselves lying on the ground amidst mounting piles of garbage. According to UNRWA reports, over 1 million people -- almost half the total population of Gaza -- have been displaced amid evacuation warnings from the Israeli army.

The Ministry of Public Works and Housing said at least 4,821 residential buildings, encompassing 12,845 housing units, have been completely demolished in the Israeli strikes.

Meanwhile, the number of Palestinian fatalities has exceeded 3,785, with over 13,000 individuals sustaining injuries since Oct. 7, said the health ministry in Gaza.

The latest round of violence between Israel and Hamas, which rules Gaza, began on Oct. 7 when Hamas launched a rare surprise attack on southern Israel close to the border with Gaza. Israel retaliated with airstrikes and a blockade that cut off water, electricity, fuel, and other supplies to Gaza.