Full Breakdown
Evacuation Plans Launched After Al-Saada Building Collapse in Gaza
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Collapse Triggers Emergency Evacuation Effort
In the early hours of September 16, the Al-Saada apartment block in Gaza City’s Al-Rimal neighbourhood collapsed, killing 21 people and rescuing at least 45 survivors. The disaster highlighted the precarious condition of war-damaged structures across the enclave. Gaza authorities announced an emergency plan to evacuate residents from 255 buildings deemed most likely to collapse and to demolish them, despite severe shortages of heavy equipment and limited safe land for relocation.
Scale of the Threat
Gaza officials say more than 2,000 buildings have been classified as at risk. Engineers attribute the Al-Saada failure to structural weakness after bombardment damaged several concrete pillars supporting its foundations.
Official Statements & Responses
- Husni Muhanna, spokesperson for the Gaza City municipality, warned: “These buildings now represent ticking time bombs for residents and displaced people in many places,” — Husni Muhanna
- The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated that entry of heavy equipment and reconstruction materials will not be authorised until Hamas disarms, accusing the militant group of exploiting humanitarian aid.
- UNDP’s Mrakic stressed that a shortage of oil and spare parts prevents existing machinery from operating, forcing people to dig through rubble by hand.
Human Toll and Personal Accounts
Eyad Azzam, who lost his pregnant wife and a three-year-old son in the collapse, showed video of his seven-year-old son Abdel-Rahman trapped in the wreckage before being rescued. He recounted the moment his son reached out: “He put out his hand and it wasn't a rock that had fallen, it was the entire ceiling.” — People Azzam said many families continue to live under damaged ceilings, underscoring the dire lack of shelter options.
Outlook
The evacuation and demolition plan faces “major obstacles,” including families refusing to leave unsafe buildings, funding shortfalls, and the absence of heavy demolition equipment. With winter approaching, officials stress that time is running out to prevent further collapses.