Families in Gaza shelter in tents as water and sewage systems fail

In mid-May, OCHA said many displaced families were still sheltering in overcrowded tents or badly damaged buildings. Aid partners had reached 26,521 households with shelter and household items, but stocks were left for fewer than 3,400 more households (OCHA).

Water and sanitation systems were breaking down. OCHA reported that shortages of lubricating oil and materials had stopped key sewage pumping stations in Khan Younis, and that more than 200 water and sanitation facilities had been running on backup generators for over two and a half years.

Food aid continued but did not cover full needs. In the first ten days of May, 251,000 people received food parcels covering 75% of minimum calorie needs, and partners prepared more than 1.1 million meals a day (OCHA).

Key figures

• 26,521 households reached with shelter items; stocks left for fewer than 3,400 more (OCHA)
• Food parcels covered 75% of minimum calorie needs (OCHA)
• More than 43,000 people with life-changing injuries (WHO, via OCHA)
• 856 people killed and 2,463 injured since the ceasefire, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health (via OCHA)

Sources

• UN OCHA oPt: Humanitarian Situation Report – 15 May 2026 (15 May 2026)

Photo: Mohammed Ibrahim / Unsplash · Northern Gaza Strip, Palestine