Families in Gaza risk living in dilapidated buildings

The housing crisis in Gaza City has worsened, forcing dozens of families to live on the upper floors of damaged and dilapidated buildings. This is due to the lack of alternative housing, tents, and basic aid, despite the daily dangers they face from the ongoing bombardment and the extensive damage to their homes

Fadl Rahim, a resident, said he and his family were forced to live inside their damaged house, despite the fear of its collapse, after receiving no tents, tarpaulins, mattresses, or blankets. He explained that his living conditions prevent him from purchasing shelter necessities, while his children live amidst the risk of parts of the building collapsing and the presence of reptiles and rodents inside.

He added that the area where he lives is close to areas where the Israeli occupation army has been operating, and that it is subject to frequent shelling and gunfire. He noted that one of his relatives was killed by army fire, and that his family lives in constant fear of being hit by falling stones while they sleep or of renewed attacks.

He explained that most of the family’s belongings are still buried under the rubble, and that he has been unable to retrieve any clothes, furniture, or basic necessities. He is forced to collect scraps of torn blankets and tarpaulins from his relatives to cover his family. He emphasized that all the surrounding camps are overcrowded and have no space to accommodate new displaced people.

He pointed out that the lack of lighting and the streets littered with rubble make movement extremely difficult should the residents be forced to flee again. He called for the provision of tents, blankets, mattresses, water, and other basic necessities to enable families to live in safer conditions.

He added that rodents and reptiles are rampant