The Protection Human Rights Center has issued a stark warning regarding the imminent danger facing thousands of civilians due to unrepaired buildings in Gaza, citing Israeli restrictions on reconstruction materials and a critical shortage of rescue equipment. In a statement released on Wednesday, the organization highlighted that thousands of damaged structures across the Gaza Strip remain unassessed, undemolished, or unsupported, posing a continuous threat to civilian life.
A Tragic Precedent
The center expressed deep concern following the collapse of a six-story residential building in the Al-Sanaa area, located southwest of Gaza City. The incident resulted in dozens of casualties, including deaths, injuries, and missing persons. According to the rights group, this tragedy is not an isolated event but rather indicative of a widespread crisis. Many residents are currently living in or near buildings that have suffered structural damage yet lack the necessary safety inspections or reinforcement measures.
Operational Paralysis
A significant factor exacerbating the risk is the inability of civil defense teams to respond effectively to emergencies. The center reported that these services are severely hampered by acute shortages of heavy machinery, rescue equipment, fuel, and spare parts. Without these essential resources, emergency responders cannot operate at the speed required to prevent further collapses or save lives during ongoing crises.
Legal Responsibilities and Demands
The organization argued that the continued restriction or prohibition of importing reconstruction supplies, combined with the failure to provide safe alternative housing, leaves civilians exposed to preventable dangers. This situation, they stated, raises serious responsibilities under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, particularly concerning the right to life, personal security, and adequate housing.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Protection Human Rights Center issued an urgent appeal to mediators, donor states, the United Nations, its various agencies, and affiliated international organizations. They demanded immediate action to lift restrictions on the entry of construction materials, repair supplies, reinforcement tools, and engineering equipment. Furthermore, the center called for the provision of heavy machinery and rescue gear to civil defense units. They also urged the implementation of a comprehensive and urgent engineering survey to assess all damaged buildings, classify them according to their level of risk, evacuate those prone to collapse, and provide temporary, safe shelter for displaced populations and residents.
