The Islamic University of Gaza, along with other universities in the territory, has been severely damaged by Israeli bombardment and ground offensives. The university is now serving as a shelter for hundreds of displaced families in northern Gaza. The families have taken refuge in the university because the U.N. schools-turned-shelters are overwhelmed. The struggle to survive has been further exacerbated by Israel's blockade, which has cut off the entry of food, fuel, medicine, and other goods into Gaza for over a month.