Gaza building collapse shows dangers plaguing enclave since Israel-Hamas truce

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip - The tragic collapse of a multi-story building in Gaza has brought renewed focus to the struggles faced by Palestinians in the enclave, nearly a year after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was supposed to usher in a wave of rebuilding efforts. However, as negotiations stalled, progress on rebuilding ground to a halt.

Many residents have since returned to some of the thousands of homes damaged during the conflict, despite the danger posed by weakened foundations and unstable walls that could give way at any moment. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 21 people lost their lives in the building collapse that occurred in Gaza City on Wednesday.

Um Mohammad Adas, whose relatives were among the casualties, described the fallen structure as a last resort shelter. "Now, they are lying in the street homeless and with absolutely nothing," she lamented, referring to her surviving family members who have been left with nothing but borrowed clothing. Families residing in similar structures revealed they lacked the means to seek alternative housing.

Ahmad Arafat, speaking from a street lined with rubble close to his residence, expressed the same sentiment. "We don't have money to go somewhere else," he stated. "And we can't afford."