Skip to main content

Delayed reconstruction in Gaza exacerbates suffering of homeowners

Owners of houses partially or totally destroyed during the recent war on Gaza are concerned about the delayed reconstruction due to the political dispute between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
A Palestinian man sits on the rubble of a building destroyed by Israeli airstrikes last month in Gaza City on June 15, 2021.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Abu al-Ezz Sheikh Dib, 45, spoke about his suffering due to the delayed reconstruction of destroyed houses in the Gaza Strip following the 11-day war. He told Al-Monitor, “My five-story house where 47 of my family members live has been tilting 15 centimeters every day as a result of the Israeli airstrikes during the recent war. It is located on the main street where the Fairouz Towers stand in the west of Gaza City. The foundations of the house have been destroyed, and the civil defense and police have notified me of the need to vacate the house."

He added, “I did not receive a rent allowance after I was informed of the need to vacate the house, which is on the verge of collapse. The first floor was totally destroyed by the strikes. Despite my bad economic situation, I am among the people whose salaries have been cut by the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Ramallah.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.