Published on 4/25/2026
In an attempt to feel some comfort and search for a roof that suggests false security, and despite the risk and seriousness of the decision, some families and individuals in the Gaza Strip have resorted to setting up tents inside dilapidated and collapsing buildings to escape the hardship of living and the shelter crisis that still exists.
Al-Ghazi Muhammad, who moved with his children inside one of the destroyed buildings – according to Shadi Shamiya’s report – said that the lack of places and spaces in the camps for the displaced was what prompted him to move to one of the dilapidated buildings.
Muhammad realizes the risk he has placed himself and his family in, “and that they may be martyrs,” but they find their only shelter in these collapsing walls, especially with the lack of an alternative.
Bilal Al-Harazin, an official from the Arab International Reconstruction Authority, warned during the report of the danger of staying in these buildings, which expose citizens to death at any moment, noting that there are more than 2,000 buildings on the verge of collapse in the Gaza Strip, estimating the number of inhabited homes at about 500.
He stated that the Arab International Reconstruction Authority directed citizens to evacuate their homes, but most of them did not respond due to the lack of an alternative.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that one million and 900 thousand residents of the Gaza Strip have been displaced from their homes since October 7, 2023.
According to the UN agency, the aforementioned number of displaced people represents 85% of the population of the Gaza Strip, and some families were forced to be displaced several times and constantly move in search of safety.
