Gaza authorities launch emergency plan to evacuate and demolish 255 unsafe buildings

Authorities in the Gaza Strip announced on Sunday an emergency plan to evacuate and demolish 255 buildings considered at imminent risk of collapse after sustaining damage during Israeli military operations.

The announcement follows a series of partial and complete building collapses involving structures weakened by previous bombardment.

Last Wednesday, 21 Palestinians were killed when the Al-Saada building in Gaza City collapsed, according to Palestinian authorities.

In a statement, Gaza’s Government Media Office said the 255 buildings covered by the emergency plan had suffered extensive damage and were now at risk of complete collapse.

The office said the initiative was intended to address the “imminent danger” posed by the structures and protect residents and displaced families who have continued to shelter in or near damaged buildings.

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The Ministry of Public Works and Housing will oversee the operation in coordination with international and UN agencies working in Gaza, according to the statement.

Authorities said instructions had been issued for field teams to begin evacuation procedures immediately.

The measures include placing warning signs around buildings deemed unsafe, restricting access to dangerous structures and arranging temporary accommodation for families required to leave their homes.

Gaza authorities have repeatedly warned that widespread structural damage has left thousands of buildings unsafe, while shortages of heavy machinery, construction materials and engineering resources have complicated efforts to assess, reinforce or demolish damaged structures.

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