In a harrowing revelation, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that over 90% of homes in Gaza have been either completely destroyed or severely damaged due to relentless Israeli military operations. The staggering level of destruction has forced millions of Palestinians to survive in open-air conditions with little to no shelter.
Citing data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the IOM warned of an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the besieged enclave. The organization urged Israel to immediately reopen humanitarian corridors into Gaza to allow the urgent delivery of shelter and relief supplies to displaced populations.
“Families are now seeking refuge in the rubble of their destroyed homes,” the IOM said in a statement, highlighting the absence of any safe zones in Gaza. “Humanitarian aid and shelter supplies are available but cannot be delivered due to the complete blockade of access points since March 2.”
Since early March, Israel has sealed off all entry points into Gaza, halting the flow of food, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance. Aid agencies warn that the blockade is exacerbating famine-like conditions and heightening fears of mass starvation.
The situation has deteriorated further as Israeli forces continue their offensive, reportedly seizing control of nearly 30% of the Gaza Strip. Widespread destruction has reduced much of the territory to rubble, rendering nearly the entire population homeless.
Despite the dire situation on the ground, international efforts for a ceasefire have so far failed. Negotiation proposals led by Qatar and Egypt remain under consideration but have yet to yield tangible results.
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Amid growing global outrage, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently reviewing war crimes and genocide allegations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. However, the legal proceedings have not deterred continued Israeli aggression in the region.
The IOM stressed that unless immediate action is taken to restore humanitarian access, the civilian population in Gaza will continue to suffer extreme hardship. The agency renewed its call for international pressure to ensure the safe and timely delivery of life-saving aid.
As the Gaza crisis enters its most destructive phase, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and prevent a full-scale humanitarian collapse.
