Hundreds of Gaza buildings at risk of collapse, threatening lives of thousands, authorities warn
‘These buildings pose a direct threat to thousands of residents living inside or nearby,’ says head of Gaza’s government media office
GAZA CITY, Palestine /ISTANBUL
Gaza’s government media office warned Monday that 220 buildings are at risk of imminent collapse in the enclave due to damage sustained during Israel’s destructive war.
“These buildings pose a direct threat to thousands of residents living inside or nearby, especially as the Israeli blockade continues to prevent the entry of heavy machinery needed to remove debris or reinforce damaged structures,” Salama Marouf, who heads the media office, said in a statement.
“While residents have been evacuated, the ongoing blockade is obstructing efforts to mitigate the crisis,” he added.
According to the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, northern Gaza has endured widespread destruction during months of Israeli bombardment, resulting in massive damage to homes and infrastructure.
Early Monday, 21 Palestinian residents narrowly escaped the collapse of a residential building in the northern town of Jabalia, leaving just 30 minutes before it fell. The building had suffered heavy damage from Israeli airstrikes.
Marouf said the Israeli blockade and restrictions on heavy equipment imports are delaying the reconstruction efforts, worsening the suffering of over 280,000 displaced families who lost their homes during the war.
"Residents are forced to stay in buildings at risk of collapsing at any moment due to the lack of alternative shelter," he said, calling on the international community to lift the blockade, allow the entry of heavy machinery, and accelerate reconstruction projects to prevent further humanitarian disasters.
Over 48,500 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and more than 112,000 have been injured in a brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 2023. The assault, which left the enclave in ruins, was paused under a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that took hold on Jan. 19.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
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