The United Nations warns displaced families in Gaza face severe fire and health risks in overcrowded shelters, with at least 12 fires reported since November.

NEW YORK: The United Nations has warned that displaced Palestinian families in overcrowded shelters across the Gaza Strip continue to face high fire risks and worsening health threats.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Saturday that many families are forced to cook, sleep, and store belongings in confined spaces using open flames.

It recorded at least 12 fire incidents in shelters since last November.

Within just ten days in February, humanitarian workers provided shelter for 85 families in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis.

This assistance came after their previous shelters in Gaza City were damaged in a fire.

The UN highlighted an ongoing need for safer and more suitable housing solutions for the displaced population.

(Bernama-WAFA)

 The Sun Malaysia