Gaza Families Take Refuge in Unsafe Buildings Facing Potential Collapses
The ongoing crisis in Gaza has compounded the struggles of families like that of Masada Abu Jarad, who face precarious living conditions in the wake of devastating conflicts. With limited access to safe housing and resources, the humanitarian situation remains dire as many families are forced to endure dangerous living environments. This narrative highlights the resilience and desperation of Gazans aiming for stability in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Gaza City, Gaza Strip – The partially collapsed roof above Masada Abu Jarad’s apartment now consists of broken concrete and protruding steel bars, exposing her family to the elements. With nowhere else to turn, they have pitched a tent in the remnants of their home, a temporary solution in an increasingly precarious situation. At 60 years old, Masada understands the dangers that come with residing in these crumbling structures. Following a visit from the Palestinian Red Crescent and Civil Defence, she received stern warnings to vacate the premises; however, the ongoing blockade and destruction in Gaza leave little room for relocation.
Masada has lived in her current building in Gaza City’s Palestine Square for the past year, following her displacement from northern Gaza due to major damage caused by conflict. Despite her longing to return to Beit Lahiya, where her family roots lie, they remain unable to go back home. Escaping repeated displacements, Masada feels emotionally and financially drained at the thought of moving again while facing exorbitant rental costs. “Even if there is a better place, tell me how I can afford to rent it,” she states, underscoring the crippling barriers to recovery.
Her situation reflects a broader housing crisis affecting many Palestinians who have survived violence in Gaza, particularly since the conflict has resulted in the death of more than 73,000 Palestinians. A joint assessment from the United Nations, World Bank, and European Union reveals the staggering reality that 371,888 housing units—76.6 percent of Gaza’s housing stock—have been damaged or destroyed since the escalation of violence three years ago. Rebuilding the region is projected to cost over billion.
This precarious situation was tragically illustrated on September 16, when a war-damaged six-story residential building in Gaza City collapsed, claiming the lives of 21 individuals, including 12 children. This incident only heightened fears among families living in similar conditions.
Abdullah Abu Hajar, a 40-year-old father of five, resides in the al-Najma building in Gaza City’s Remal neighborhood. With the structure’s visible damage, Abdullah and about 17 other families remain aware of the lingering warning signs of instability. Unable to rest at night, he listens for any unusual sounds that could signal danger. Despite his family’s adaptations to their uncertain living conditions, Abdullah grapples with anxiety for his children’s safety.
His family, along with many others displaced from areas like Beit Hanoon, faces a relentless cycle of uncertainty and fear stemming from insufficient housing options. Abdullah’s plight is echoed in the struggles of his relatives, highlighting a pervasive insecurity throughout the region.
For Islam Hassanein, 36, the stakes are equally grave. A mother of five, Islam lives in a single room on the third floor of a severely damaged building, a living space filled with rubble and debris. The absence of basic amenities, such as functioning plumbing, necessitates outdoor bathroom facilities. The current lack of safe housing alternatives leaves her feeling trapped. “If they find us a good place and provide us with a tent, we will leave from the morning,” she insists, demonstrating her desire for a chance at safety.
The imminent winter poses additional challenges for families like Islam’s, as flooding and cold threaten already vulnerable living conditions. Thousands are currently residing in crumbling buildings, unable to relocate due to Israel’s restrictions on essential shelter materials. UNICEF reports that nearly 84 percent of Gaza’s population—over 1.76 million people—finds themselves living in overcrowded, inadequate shelters.
As families endure these hazards daily, the struggle for adequate housing continues to shape their narrative, leaving many to rely on hope for a resolution. Islam expresses the toll of living in fear, asserting, “They are all afraid. But what can we do?” While the plight of individuals like her and Masada highlights a humanitarian crisis, it also underscores the resilience and spirit of Gazans striving for a better future amidst adversity.
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