Gaza City, Gaza Strip – The precarious living conditions faced by Masada Abu Jarad and her family in Gaza City starkly illustrate the enduring housing crisis stemming from years of conflict. Their apartment, with a partially collapsed roof revealing jagged concrete and exposed steel, serves as a reminder of the challenges many Palestinian families endure.
At 60 years old, Masada is acutely aware of the dangers posed by their home. Recently visited by representatives from the Palestinian Red Crescent and Civil Defence, her family was advised to leave for their safety. However, in Gaza, where rebuilding efforts have been severely hampered, primarily due to restrictions imposed by Israel, Masada states, “We have no options.” She lives in what she describes as a temporary location after returning from northern Gaza, and the hope of returning to her original home in Beit Lahiya remains unfulfilled.
The broader context reveals a staggering housing crisis affecting Palestinians across Gaza, with recent estimates indicating that over 371,888 housing units—approximately 76.6% of the total housing stock—have been damaged or destroyed following the ongoing conflicts. A joint report from the United Nations, World Bank, and European Union emphasizes that the estimated cost of rebuilding Gaza over the next decade exceeds billion.
Tragic events serve as painful reminders of the dangers posed by downed buildings; on September 16, a six-story residential building collapsed, leading to the tragic loss of 21 lives, including 12 children. This incident has intensified fears among families residing in other structurally compromised buildings.
Abdullah Abu Hajar, 40, who lives in a heavily damaged six-story building with his wife and five children, reflects the anxiety that permeates daily life in such precarious circumstances. His sleepless nights are filled with tension as he monitors every creak and shift, worried for the safety of his family. Displaced multiple times during the conflicts, Abdullah’s sense of uncertainty about finding a safe place to live remains palpable.
Meanwhile, Islam Hassanein, a 36-year-old mother of five, has been residing in a single room in a damaged building for nearly a year. Living amidst rubble and compromised infrastructure, she remains hopeful that someday her family will be provided with a safe and secure home. “If they find us a good place and provide us with a tent, we will leave from the morning,” she states, highlighting the dire need for improved living conditions that many families in Gaza currently face.
The situation is exacerbated by restrictions, which impede the entry of essential materials needed for shelters and rebuilding efforts. UNICEF estimates that nearly 84% of Gaza’s population are currently living in overcrowded and inadequate accommodations, stripped of the basic protections against the elements, resulting in heightened vulnerability as the winter months approach.
Islam’s and Abdullah’s experiences underscore the resilience of Palestinian families who endure these challenges with immense dignity. Their stories reflect the broader narrative of perseverance amid adversity, as they remain hopeful for a brighter, more secure future.
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