With UN-Habitat support, 25 families in Gaza Strip will start repairing their homes

Gaza, 22 October 2025 - Amidst critical humanitarian needs, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), in partnership with the Palestinian Housing Council (PHC) and with generous funding from the Government of Japan, has launched a vital initiative to rehabilitate partially damaged homes in the Gaza Strip. Implemented under the project “Urgent Early Recovery and Resilience Building Towards Reconstruction in the Gaza Strip,” this intervention supports immediate relief efforts while empowering affected families to rebuild their homes with dignity. By adopting a self-help approach, the project empowers affected communities to take an active role in repairing and rehabilitating their own homes, fostering a sense of ownership, resilience, and recovery.

As winter approaches in Gaza, and in light of the recent positive developments following the announcement of a ceasefire, this intervention comes at a crucial moment. The initiative is critical for the well-being of families who lost their homes and have been enduring dire living conditions. This community-driven model not only addresses urgent shelter needs but also contributes to alleviating the broader humanitarian crisis. It provides emotional and social support by helping families return to their original homes, restoring a sense of stability and normalcy in their lives.

Ms. Rania Hedeya, Regional Director of UN-Habitat, highlighted that “the importance of this initiative goes beyond addressing the immediate and urgent needs of affected families. Its true value lies in its scalability and sustainability, as it offers a replicable model that strengthens community engagement, promotes livelihood opportunities, and ensures cost-effective and efficient implementation. Through the self-help approach, this model can be expanded across multiple neighbourhoods in the Gaza Strip, empowering communities to actively participate in the recovery and reconstruction process.”

On the work methodology and implementation on the ground, Chairman of the PHC, Dr. Samih Al Abed, explained that PHC implements a locally led, area-based self-help model: “we begin with rapid structural-safety assessments, prioritize households through dynamic maps, issue clear technical guidance and standardized materials lists, and disburse targeted grants on payments linked with the achievement under mutual-commitment agreements. Then we verify quality through field visits and digital monitoring to ensure safe, dignified, and cost-effective repairs that accelerate families’ return home.”

Ambassador for the Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to Palestine Mr. ARAIKE Katsuhiko stated: “Japan remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people facing dire situation through various projects including this which is implemented by UN-Habitat to help rebuild lives and strengthen communities through community-led housing rehabilitation. Japan continues to be committed to working hand in hand with our partners in the Palestinian government, civil society, and the private sector to improve the humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza Strip and West Bank, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Japan and Palestine.”