Over a Dozen Palestinians killed in Gaza Amidst 46 Building Collapses
At least 18 Palestinians have perished due to the collapse of several buildings previously damaged by Israeli strikes throughout the Gaza Strip, ever since the ceasefire agreement was initiated on October 10.
The Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza reported on Monday that the recent incident of homes collapsing on residents in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City on Saturday evening has brought the death toll to 18. This tragic event, which resulted in the death of four individuals, adds to the series of collapses affecting 46 buildings across the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire commenced in October.
The ministry has issued a warning that the consequences of the disaster may intensify, given that reconstruction efforts are currently at a standstill and Israel is preventing the import of mobile homes.
The report highlighted the growing concern as the winter season approaches, which significantly increases the likelihood of further structural failures.
The ministry has urged the global community to swiftly implement measures to accelerate the distribution of reconstruction materials and temporary housing, aimed at ensuring safe refuge for displaced families.
It highlighted that postponing action on this issue would worsen the humanitarian crisis and jeopardize the lives of hundreds of thousands, placing them in immediate peril.
In recent weeks, the Gaza region has experienced a significant impact from adverse weather conditions, including torrential rain, strong winds, and freezing temperatures. This inclement weather has resulted in severe damage, with more than 53,000 tents—used as temporary shelters for displaced Palestinians—being flooded or destroyed.
Extensive areas of buildings and infrastructure have been severely damaged, resulting in swift street flooding and frequent sewage overflows.
Families displaced by the ongoing conflict have sought refuge in the remnants of partially collapsed buildings, despite the looming threat of further structural failures. In a stark reminder of the instability, 13 buildings in Gaza succumbed last week.
Following the implementation of the ceasefire, Israel has continued to block the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. This action persists despite calls from multiple United Nations agencies, international organizations, and various countries, all advocating for the blockade to be lifted.
The United Nations has reported that Israel has obstructed the provision of essential aid, including tents and blankets, to Palestinians. This development comes as approximately 55,000 families face hardship, having sustained damage or loss of their possessions and shelters following a severe storm.
