Emergency response for IDPs and vulnerable hosting families in Gaza ltpgtThe humanitarian situation in Gaza since 7th October 2023 has continued to deteriorate since Palestinian armed groups launched thousands of rockets towards Israel and breached through the perimeter fence of Gaza at multiple locations. The Israeli Military declared a “state of war alert” and started striking targets in the Gaza Strip which resulted in countless military strikes from Israel in the Strip and in retaliation. ltbrgtThis situation has resulted in mass displacement with over 1.94 million IDPs in Gaza, living in dire conditions with little food, safe water, and no electricity. Shelter conditions have also deteriorated. The Gaza Ministry of Public Works reported the destruction of a total of 169,184 housing units, with 21,000 of these totally damaged, while 10,935 had severe/inhabitable housing units and 142,500 had major and minor damage. The total number of housing units reported as destroyed or damaged accounts for at least 70 per cent of all housing units in Gaza further increasing the vulnerability of the already displaced population. In addition, the ongoing winter period will pose well-being challenges especially for women and children. ltbrgtFurther, a disruption of the markets with the closure of all borders has reduced market functionality, with most goods being not available for local purchase, except fresh foods from farms and household gardens. Items such as bedding, cooking items, and supporting shelter essential items, such as plastic sheets for self-help housing solutions are also not available. Due to this factors NRC is proposing: ltbrgtSupporting Decongestion in crowded areas: It is confirmed that there will be efforts to decongest collective centers through provision of emergency shelter solutions, such as tents. ltbrgtSupporting Returns: It is expected that most households will return to their shelters which will include damaged/unsafe shelters. Provision of sealing of kits will support minor repairs in anticipation of post escalation recovery. ltbrgtEnhancing coping mechanisms for displaced person: Direct emergency shelter support will target displaced households living in open spaces, anticipated 14% of total population will not have access to shelter, post escalation. ltbrgtNRC, through this grant proposes to distribute: ltbrgt1055 Tents: Procurement and distribution of tents, targeting households with no access to shelter options, prioritizing vulnerable cases including protection cases and persons with disabilities. ltbrgt1000 Sealing Off Kits: Supporting households hosting IDPs, IDPs returning to their shelters and households with minor shelter damages, to support early recovery activities. ltbrgtDue to the nature of the constrained access and the volatile situation, NRC plans to preposition the items through Egypt, and final entry into Gaza through Rafah. There are anticipated delays with entry of items to Gaza based on the slow verification of items and security screening. NRC plans to ensure adequate buffer to accommodate costs related to delays of items into Gaza. NRC will use locally available resources in Gaza to distribute the items, which will be through a partnership with local partner Bayader to cover the following activities, mainly: ltbrgtAssessment: To confirm needs and enhance targeting for distribution of either tents or sealing off kits ltbrgtStorage and Distribution Costs: To cover foreseen costs with storage in Gaza and distribution costs including transport, casuals, and staff costs.  ltbrgtPDM activities: To be led by NRC ME teams through  the local partner based on access and precedent situation post escalation. ltbrgtTo accommodate the volatile situation, NRC will engage Bayader through an IP contract and field activities will be done jointly and with close consultation with access and security focal points from NRC. NRC has previously engaged Bayader, and has already conducted due diligence, while for this grant, NRC will ensure protection, PSEA and other considerations are taken into account during target and distribution process. ltbrgtlt/pgt