Gaza – Frequent collapses of dilapidated buildings threaten the lives of hundreds of families

The Civil Defense Authority in the Gaza Strip warned Palestinians against returning to their dilapidated homes, which suffered extensive damage during the Israeli offensive on the Strip, stressing that “approaching them poses a direct threat to their lives.”

Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal said in a press statement on Wednesday that “dozens have been killed and hundreds injured as a result of the collapse of damaged homes,” urging people to “stay away from them as much as possible and seek refuge in tents and available shelters.”

He explained that “the number of homes at risk of collapse is estimated to be in the thousands due to the scale of the destruction, with Gaza City bearing the brunt of it.”

The dilapidated buildings are concentrated in the neighborhoods of Tuffah, Zeitoun, Rimal, Zarqa, and Shati refugee camp, areas that were recently entered by Israeli military vehicles.

Basal pointed out that the residents’ resort to these buildings stems from the lack of alternatives and the occupation’s refusal to allow the entry of tents and caravans necessary for their shelter. He emphasized that “the residents’ continued presence in these buildings poses a significant threat to their lives and the lives of their children.”

He explained that “during the work of the Civil Defense teams today in the Zarqa area, northeast of Gaza City, a number of residents were injured when two houses collapsed after their foundations and concrete walls were damaged. Others were injured when a house collapsed in the Shati refugee camp, west of the city.”

He issued an urgent appeal to the international community to assume its responsibilities and provide rapid and safe alternatives, such as tents, caravans, and shelters, until the reconstruction process begins. He also stressed the need for international organizations to play their role in protecting civilians from the dangers of returning to buildings at risk of collapse.