Palestinian Statistics Agency Highlights Housing Crisis Amid Destruction and Displacement

The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) has issued a report coinciding with World Habitat Day and Arab Housing Day, emphasizing the severe housing crisis in Palestine. The report highlights the "Adequate Housing for All" theme for 2026, noting that globally, 2.8 billion people face inadequate housing, with 1.1 billion living in slums. In the Palestinian context, the situation is described as exceptionally dire due to widespread destruction in Gaza, ongoing demolitions in the West Bank, and significant economic and environmental challenges.

According to a UN satellite assessment, approximately 201,290 buildings in Gaza, or 82% of the total, were damaged or destroyed between October 7, 2023, and June 16, 2026. This includes 134,422 completely destroyed buildings and over 328,627 damaged residential units. In the West Bank, specific refugee camps like Jenin, Nur Shams, and Tulkarm have seen substantial building damage, with percentages ranging from 37% to 55% of structures affected by February 2026.

The report also details forced displacement and land confiscation in the West Bank, including Jerusalem. Israeli authorities reportedly carried out 341 demolition operations in the first half of 2026, destroying 740 Palestinian structures and issuing 254 demolition notices, particularly in Hebron, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. These actions, coupled with 3,488 settler attacks, have displaced over 4,000 Palestinians since the beginning of 2026.

In Gaza, ongoing military operations and infrastructure damage have led to the displacement of most of the 2.1 million residents, with limited access to less than 40% of the territory, increasing overcrowding. Furthermore, about 90% of Gaza's water and sanitation infrastructure is damaged or destroyed, leaving 82% of families facing water insecurity and many receiving less than half the minimum daily water requirement.

Regarding the West Bank, 3.4% of families live in overcrowded conditions (three or more people per room), with higher rates in refugee camps (8.9% in 2025). The report notes a shift towards apartment living, with the percentage of families in apartments rising from 60.4% in 2024 to 68.6% in 2025. Building permit data for the West Bank shows a 1% decrease in issued permits in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the first, with 1,814 permits issued, including 1,199 for new buildings.