Despite frigid weather and floods, Hamas stops UN from building weatherproof Gaza shelters - report

The UN Development Program (UNDP) was forced to abandon plans to build better-quality shelters for displaced Gazans ahead of the winter months, which have been cold and rainy so far, a Palestinian official told the Arabic-language media outlet Jusoor News International (JNI) on Sunday. A Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority (PA) official who works on Gaza issues told JNI that the UNDP launched a project earlier in 2026 to install Relief Housing Units (RHU) for families living in tents. The official spoke to JNI anonymously as he was not allowed to discuss the matter publicly. According to publicly available UN Refugee Agency training materials, the RHU comprises a lightweight steel frame, a roof, wall panels, doors and windows, floor covering, a solar energy unit, and an anchoring system. They can last approximately 18 months without maintenance and up to 3 years with regular maintenance. Hamas views UN shelters as a threat to their power over Gazan populationThe official added that the UNDP had partnered with the PA's Public Works and Housing Ministry, with ministry staff conducting surveys and coordinating with locals. Hamas officials, however, threatened the ministry staff with violence if they continued working alongside the UNDP on the project, the PA official told JNI.Hamas likely saw the RHUs as a threat to its power over the Gazan people, the official told…