Gaza public works ministry says around 3,000 buildings at risk of collapse

Around 3,000 buildings across the Gaza Strip have been classified as dangerous or at risk of collapse, Gaza’s Ministry of Public Works and Housing said on Wednesday, warning that damaged structures pose a threat to thousands of residents.

The warning followed the collapse of a residential building in the Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City early Wednesday. The ministry said the building collapsed while people were inside, resulting in deaths and injuries.

According to the ministry, buildings identified as hazardous contain damaged structural components or sections that could fall, placing families who continue to live in or near them at risk.

The ministry attributed the problem to extensive structural damage sustained by residential buildings and other facilities during Israeli military operations in Gaza since October 2023, including cracks and damage to load-bearing elements.

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It said engineering and technical teams had been deployed to the site of Wednesday’s collapse to assist with damage assessments and rescue efforts and to inspect neighbouring buildings for potential structural risks.

The ministry said efforts to stabilize, repair or safely demolish dangerous buildings were being hampered by shortages of construction materials, heavy machinery and specialised equipment.

It also said restrictions on the entry of construction materials and machinery into Gaza were limiting the ability of authorities and emergency teams to address unstable structures and respond to building-related emergencies.

The ministry called on the United Nations and international community to help provide materials and equipment needed to reinforce or safely remove structures considered at risk of collapse.

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