Al-Sarraj: Israeli intransigence threatens the lives of Gaza residents and prevents building rehabilitation
The mayor of Gaza City, Yahya Al-Sarraj, warned of the increasing risks of collapsing damaged buildings in Gaza City due to the Israeli occupation's ban on importing equipment needed to rescue and rehabilitate structures, stressing that the continuation of the situation threatens the lives of residents and displaced persons, especially with the approaching winter.
The mayor of Gaza City, Yahya Al-Sarraj, warned on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, of the increasing risks of collapsing damaged buildings in Gaza City, as the Israeli occupation prevents the entry of equipment needed to rescue and rehabilitate structures. The warning came after the municipality received news this morning of the deaths of women, children, and elderly people due to the collapse of a residential building in the city. Al-Sarraj stressed that the incident is not the first and may not be the last unless urgent intervention occurs and the required equipment is allowed in. He noted that repeated warnings to the international community and organizations have not put an end to Israeli intransigence. Fears are compounded with the approaching winter and the accompanying strong winds and heavy rains that could cause new collapses. He explained that the municipality has warned citizens to stay away from buildings at risk of collapse, but the lack of shelters and suitable alternatives forces residents to remain in them. He appealed to international bodies to urgently work on bringing in temporary housing and basic necessities, and also demanded the entry of materials needed to operate hospitals and public facilities.