Unrwa says 18 Gaza shelters require urgent attention as winter nears

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) has said that 18 of its emergency shelters in Gaza are unsafe as winter approaches, with four at very high risk of collapse.

In its latest situation report, the agency said an assessment of 113 displacement sites found six additional shelters at high risk and eight at medium risk.

Unrwa is working with humanitarian partners to secure tents for families who agree to relocate, prioritising 270 households living in the most dangerous buildings, it said, adding that its shelters house about 60,000 displaced people.

The agency also reported a rise in acute respiratory infections ahead of winter, warning that cases are expected to increase further in the coming weeks.