Iyad Yousif Alfairy shares his shelter in Jabalia Refugee Camp in North Gaza with 14 family members. Like many in the camp, Alfairy’s shelter is rundown, overcrowded and in desperate need of repair. During the rainy season, manholes overflow and raw sewage floods in from the streets. “We pray for the day this problem is solved,” he says. He is particularly worried for the health of his children.

But the land, air and sea blockade on Gaza, which was tightened in July 2007 following Hamas’ takeover of the coastal territory, severely restricts the importation of supplies required to repair damaged houses and water and sewage systems.

Read the full article on OCHA's website