A deadly building collapse in Gaza City that killed 21 people has renewed attention on the dangerous living conditions facing Palestinians nearly a year after a ceasefire reduced large-scale fighting but failed to bring significant reconstruction to the territory.
The multistory building, which had previously been damaged by Israeli strikes during the war, collapsed on Wednesday. Gaza health officials said 21 people were killed, including children and women, while rescuers pulled dozens of survivors from the rubble.
The building had been sheltering more than 100 people, including displaced families who had few alternatives. Residents said they remained in damaged structures because adequate housing and temporary shelter were difficult to find.
Rescue operations were complicated by shortages of heavy equipment and fuel. Palestinian civil defense teams said rescuers had to work through the rubble with limited resources while searching for survivors and recovering bodies.
The collapse highlights a wider shelter crisis in Gaza, where much of the housing stock has been damaged or destroyed during the war. A joint World Bank and United Nations assessment found that about 76% of Gaza’s housing stock had been damaged or destroyed, affecting more than 1.7 million people.
Humanitarian organizations have warned that thousands of other damaged buildings could pose similar risks. The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works has identified more than 2,000 buildings at risk of collapse, while aid groups say many families continue living in structures with cracked walls, damaged floors and weakened foundations.
The situation is particularly dangerous during periods of heavy rain and bad weather, which can further weaken damaged concrete and exposed steel reinforcement.
Reconstruction has remained stalled amid disagreements over the terms of the ceasefire and restrictions on the entry of construction materials and heavy machinery. Israel says restrictions are necessary to prevent materials and equipment from being diverted for military purposes, while humanitarian organizations have called for greater access to supplies needed to provide safe shelter and clear dangerous debris.
The latest tragedy demonstrates that the dangers of the Gaza war extend beyond active fighting. For thousands of displaced families, simply finding a safe place to live remains a major challenge.
Swifteradio.com
