Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) — The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Friday warned of a serious threat to displaced families in the Gaza Strip posed by open fires used for cooking in overcrowded temporary shelters.
The agency said families are cooking, sleeping and storing their belongings in small spaces, posing a threat not only to the community due to the risk of fire but also to the health of residents.
“Since November 2025, our partners have recorded at least 12 fires in these shelters,” OCHA reported. “In the 10 days leading up to February 17, humanitarian organizations provided shelter assistance to 85 families in Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis whose homes were damaged by fires in Gaza City.”
"Displaced families need adequate shelter that will protect them from the elements and provide greater privacy," the agency said. "Humanitarian partners reiterate the urgent need to transition to more sustainable solutions."
OCHA has long called on Israel to allow more durable housing materials into the Gaza Strip.
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