Displaced Palestinians in Gaza remain crowded into makeshift shelters where open cooking fires, dense occupancy and damaged infrastructure have led to repeated blazes and grave health hazards, the UN warns (OCHA, February 2026). Partners recorded at least 12 shelter fires since November, and over a recent 10-day span humanitarian teams relocated 85 families whose shelters were damaged (OCHA, 12–19 February 2026).

Movement of aid remains tightly controlled, with 67 missions between 12 and 19 February, 43 approved and nine denied outright, and several approved missions impeded, delaying fuel, medical supplies, and hygiene kits (OCHA, 19 February 2026).

Medical evacuations via Rafah and Kerem Shalom were facilitated, but the pattern underlines how restrictions on humanitarian access compound threats to life and dignity, increasing risks of fire, illness, and prolonged displacement (OCHA, 19 February 2026).

Sources: UN OCHA movement logs and shelter reports, 12–19 February 2026, statement 19 February 2026.