Gaza Faces Evacuation Crisis as War-Damaged Buildings Risk Collapse

Gaza authorities are struggling to evacuate residents from hundreds of war-damaged buildings at risk of collapse, citing shortages of heavy equipment, funding and safe land for displaced families.

The danger intensified on September 16 when the Al-Saada apartment building in Gaza City’s Al-Rimal neighborhood collapsed, killing 21 people. At least 45 survivors were rescued from the rubble.

Officials say more than 2,000 buildings have been classified as potentially unsafe, although the United Nations Development Programme estimates around 400 face a serious collapse risk. With winter approaching, damaged structures could become increasingly dangerous during storms and heavy rain.

Gaza authorities announced an emergency plan on Sunday to evacuate residents from 255 of the highest-risk buildings and demolish the structures. An Egyptian-led relief organization has offered transportation to designated shelters.

However, Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, said implementation faces several obstacles. Some families refuse to leave because they have nowhere else to live, while authorities lack sufficient funding, demolition machinery and suitable relocation sites.

Large-scale Gaza reconstruction has yet to begin. More than 2 million Palestinians remain concentrated in roughly a third of the enclave, with many living in tents, overcrowded shelters or damaged buildings.

Palestinian and UN officials say Israeli restrictions have contributed to shortages of heavy machinery and reconstruction materials. COGAT, the Israeli agency coordinating aid access, said heavy equipment and reconstruction supplies would not be authorized until Hamas disarms, arguing that Hamas has exploited humanitarian assistance. Hamas denies the allegation.

UNDP Gaza chief Alessandro Mrakic said rescuers were forced to search through Al-Saada’s rubble by hand because of equipment shortages. Existing machinery also requires fuel and spare parts.

Mohammad Arafa, head of the Gaza Engineers Association, said engineers believed Al-Saada suffered structural weakness after bombardment damaged concrete support pillars. The Israel Defense Forces said it had not directly struck the building during the war.

For residents, evacuation remains an agonizing choice. Many say they understand the risks but have no safe alternative.

“Where shall I go?” said Eyad Azzam, who lost his pregnant wife and 3-year-old son in the collapse. “Even in the street there’s no place.”