The Israeli housing ministry is offering regional councils and cities grants to renovate buildings to provide housing for migrants fleeing from Ukraine, Russia and surrounding countries.

An estimated 10,000 immigrants have arrived in Israel since the war began, with the majority coming from Ukraine, although some Russians and Belarussians have also fled their countries.

 According to the United Nations, Ukraine has seen more than 4 million of its citizens flee since the beginning of the Russian Invasion on the 24th of February.

The Jewish agency is expecting thousands more to come to Israel.

Authorities that want to apply for these grants have been asked to highlight buildings that can be swiftly converted into suitable and acceptable housing for the people fleeing from the war. 

Currently, some migrants have been given shelter in hotels, the houses of family and friends, or charitable strangers until a long-term solution can be found. 

Priority is being given to buildings that have the potential to house a larger number of people for a smaller cost, and that can be renovated quickly, in order to provide more people with a place to stay. 

The criteria for local councils to receive the grant is at least five buildings that could be renovated to house migrants. The ministry of housing and construction publicised the plans in late march and councils and cities have to submit their plans by the 5th of April to be considered for the financial aid.