384,000 housing units in Gaza damaged due to Israeli aggression

CAIRO – 7 October 2024: On Monday, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) released a report marking World Habitat Day and Arab Housing Day, under the theme: "Enhancing Participation and Transparency in Urban Planning."

The report shed light on the severe impact of Israeli aggression on Gaza’s housing sector and outlined key housing statistics for Palestine, particularly the West Bank.

Devastating Impact on Gaza's Housing Sector

Since the beginning of Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, an estimated 384,000 housing units have been affected. Of these, approximately 297,000 units were partially damaged, while 87,000 housing units were completely demolished. The United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) data revealed that a total of 156,423 buildings were damaged across the Gaza Strip.

Breakdown of Damaged Buildings:

- Hospitals: 204 buildings, of which 39 were completely destroyed

- Mosques: 391 buildings, with 174 destroyed

- Schools/Universities: 883 buildings, with 176 destroyed

- Other Buildings: 154,945 structures, with 45,834 destroyed

West Bank Housing Conditions in 2023

The report also highlighted key housing statistics from the West Bank, where 81% of households live in owned housing units. A breakdown of living conditions and urban planning indicators is provided below.

Types of Housing Units:

- 54% of households live in houses.

- 45% live in apartments.

- Less than 1% live in villas or other housing types such as tents or marginal shelters.

Housing Density and Overcrowding in the West Bank

The average housing density in the West Bank was reported at 1.4 persons per room in 2023. The highest density was recorded in refugee camps, where the number reached 1.6 persons per room. Additionally, 5% of West Bank households live in overcrowded housing units, with more than three persons per room.

Most households in the West Bank have access to improved sanitation. In 2023, 99% of households used piped sewer systems, septic tanks, or pit latrines. Additionally, 42% of households were connected to wastewater networks, while the remaining relied on septic tanks or pit latrines.

The average size of housing units in the West Bank was 135 m², with 13% of households residing in units of 80 m² or less, and 10% living in units of 200 m² or more.

Additionally, 59% of West Bank households live in homes that are over 20 years old, with the highest percentage found in refugee camps, where 72% of housing units are over two decades old.

The number of licensed housing units in Palestine decreased in 2023 compared to previous years. A total of 18,997 units were licensed, including both new and existing housing. Of these, 14,866 were newly built, with an average area of 167.3 m².