RAMALLAH, October 5, 2026 (WAFA) – World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each year, and it is recognized by the United Nations/UN-Habitat, alongside Arab Housing Day, endorsed by the Council of Arab Ministers of Housing and Reconstruction. Both occasions serve as reminders of the fundamental right of all people to adequate shelter and provide an annual opportunity to reflect on housing conditions and highlight the challenges and opportunities facing the housing sector.

World Habitat Day 2026 is observed under the theme “Adequate Housing for All”, against the backdrop of a growing global housing crisis. 

According to UN-Habitat, approximately 2.8 billion people worldwide face various forms of inadequate housing, including 1.1 billion people living in slums and informal settlements. The theme emphasizes the need to ensure access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing, together with essential services, as a fundamental pillar for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing the New Urban Agenda.

In Palestine, the occasion highlights the severe housing crisis caused by the destruction of homes and infrastructure, displacement, and housing demolitions, particularly in Gaza Strip and the West Bank. 

Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) has issued a report during which it presents the latest official housing indicators to highlight these challenges and the need for an integrated humanitarian and development response.

Widespread and Unprecedented Destruction of Buildings and Housing Units in Palestine

According to the latest satellite-based assessment conducted by the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), around 201,290 buildings were damaged as a result of the Israeli occupation aggression against Gaza Strip between October 7th, 2023, and June 16th, 2026, representing an estimated 82% of the total number of buildings in Gaza Strip, out of which 134,422 buildings were completely destroyed, while 13,848 buildings sustained severe damage.  While the number of damaged housing units reached approximately 328,627.

Number of Buildings Damaged as a Result of the Israeli Occupation Aggression against Gaza Strip by Level of Damage, since 07/10/2023 until 16/06/2026 

 As for the West Bank, the northern governorates have experienced extensive destruction. In Jenin Refugee Camp, the total number of damaged structures reached 680, representing approximately 53% of the total structures. In Nur Shams Refugee Camp, 434 structures were damaged, accounting for 55% of the total structures, while in Tulkarm Refugee Camp, 407 structures were damaged, representing approximately 37% of the total structures, as of February 2026.

Escalation of Forced Displacement and Targeting of Palestinian Presence in the West Bank, Including Jerusalem Governorate

The housing crisis and destruction of homes are not confined to Gaza Strip. During 2026, forced displacement, land appropriation, and the targeting of Palestinian homes and structures continued across the West Bank, including Jerusalem Governorate.

According to data from the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, during the first half of 2026, the Israeli occupation authorities carried out 341 demolition operations, resulting in the demolition of 740 Palestinian establishments (occupied housing units, unoccupied housing units, agricultural, Sources of Livelihood ,others), while issuing 254 demolition notices on the grounds of lack of licensing. Demolition notices were particularly concentrated in Hebron Governorate, with 102 notices, followed by Bethlehem with 70 notices, and Jerusalem with 34 notices.

The demolitions were accompanied by a notable increase in settlement-related attacks, with 3,488 attacks recorded during the first half of 2026, targeting Palestinian communities, property, land and livelihoods.

The total number of Palestinians displaced in the West Bank (According to OCHA from the beginning of 2026 until September 2026), as a result of demolitions, evictions, settler attacks and related restrictions exceeded 4,000 Palestinians.

These developments reflect the widening pressures imposed on Palestinian communities and their impact on population stability, the ability of people to remain in their homes and on their lands, and access to livelihoods and essential services.

The Number of Demolition Operations and Demolished Establishments Carried out by the Israeli Occupation in the West Bank during the First Half of the Years 2023-2026

Repeated Displacement and Shrinking Space Available to the Population in Gaza Strip

Since October 7th, 2023, large-scale military operations and the destruction of homes and infrastructure have resulted in repeated and widespread displacement of the population in Gaza Strip.

Most of the approximately 2.1 million residents of Gaza Strip remain displaced, amid continuing military operations and damage to housing and essential services. The population has also become confined to less than 40% of the area of Gaza Strip due to restrictions on access to large parts of Gaza Strip, resulting in increased overcrowding and pressure on available displacement areas.

3.4% of Households in the West Bank Live in Overcrowded Housing Units

In 2025, data indicated that 3.4% of households in the West Bank live in housing units with a high population density (three or more persons per room).

By type of locality, the proportion stood at 3.0% in urban areas, 3.8% in rural areas, and increased to 8.9% in refugee camps.

Changing Housing Patterns in the West Bank: Apartments Lead While Non-Traditional Housing Expands in Refugee Camps

A notable change occurred in the distribution of households in the West Bank by type of housing unit between 2024 and 2025. The proportion of households living in apartments increased from 60.4% in 2024 to 68.6% in 2025.

The proportion of households living in housing units classified as “Other” also increased from 0.4% in 2024 to 1.6% in 2025.

Percentage Distribution of Households in the West Bank by Type of Housing Unit, 2025

*Other includes (Independent Room, Tent, Marginal and Other).

This change is particularly evident in refugee camps, where the proportion of households living in housing units classified as “Other” reached 20.1% in 2025, compared with 1.4% in rural areas and 0.3% in urban areas.

The increase was particularly evident in Tulkarm and Jenin Governorates, reflecting the specific housing conditions in refugee camps and the changes in household housing conditions resulting from demolitions and displacement.

90% of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Gaza Strip are Damaged or Destroyed: A Deepening Crisis and Growing Recovery Needs

Data through the first half of 2026 indicate that approximately 90% of water and wastewater infrastructure in Gaza Strip has been damaged or destroyed, resulting in a significant decline in the population’s ability to access water and sanitation services safely and regularly.

Furthermore, 82% of households continue to experience water insecurity, while 70% of households in Gaza Strip have access to only 6 liters of water per person per day, which is significantly below the minimum requirement of approximately 15 liters per person per day, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Decrease in the Number of Building Licenses Issued in Palestine during the Second Quarter of 2026 Compared with the First Quarter

Amid the widespread destruction in Gaza Strip and the challenges facing the construction sector in the West Bank, building licenses data reflect the level of licensed construction activity in the West Bank during 2026.

The number of building licenses issued in Palestine decreased by 1% during the second quarter of 2026 compared with the first quarter.  A total of 1,814 building licenses were issued during the second quarter of 2026, including 1,199 licenses for new buildings.

The number of licensed housing units reached 4,105, including 3,554 newly licensed housing units. The number of newly licensed housing units increased by 20% compared with the second quarter of 2025.

Adequate Housing for All: A Particular Significance for Palestine

Within the Palestinian context, World Habitat Day acquires a particular significance, as the Palestinian people continue to face multiple and interconnected challenges, including forced displacement resulting from the ongoing occupation and the seizure of the Palestinian resources, in addition to the repercussions of the prevailing economic pressures.

In Gaza Strip, rebuilding homes and rehabilitating infrastructure and essential services are fundamental conditions for recovery. In the West Bank, policies are needed to protect Palestinian communities from losing their homes and land and to ensure equitable and sustainable urban planning.

In this context, the 2026 theme “Adequate Housing for All” carries particular significance for Palestine. Achieving this objective requires an integrated response that brings together humanitarian assistance, early recovery, reconstruction, urban development and spatial planning, while placing the needs of affected and displaced households and the most vulnerable groups at the heart of policies and programs.

K.T