Fatal building collapse highlights dangers plaguing Gaza nearly a year after ceasefire

Gaza City, Gaza Strip - A recent building collapse in Gaza has renewed concerns over the dire living conditions faced by Palestinians in the territory, nearly a year after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was intended to spur reconstruction efforts.

The collapse claimed the lives of 21 people in the city, highlighting the ongoing dangers posed by unstable dwellings in Gaza. Many residents have returned to their homes despite the risk of their structures collapsing, with few alternative options available.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, five shelters collapsed in the first week of September alone, with over 2,000 more buildings at risk. The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works reported that 76% of residential units have been damaged or destroyed, calling the loss of housing "catastrophic."

Palestinians are forced to live in unsafe conditions due to a lack of adequate shelter. The Norwegian Refugee Council warns that living in tents is even riskier, as they are in short supply. Many are willing to risk staying in damaged buildings over the alternative of tents, which are scarce.

The damage assessment by the World Bank and United Nations found that 71% of surveyed residents experienced flooding since the previous winter, with 72% still living in buildings with some level of damage. Engineers and humanitarian groups warn that the buildings are especially vulnerable to collapse during heavy rains.

Israel has refused to allow materials needed for reconstruction into Gaza due to security concerns, leaving the territory's 1.7 million residents to live in precarious conditions with limited shelter options.