News- Middle East: At least 18 Palestinians have lost their lives following the collapse of dozens of buildings that had been previously damaged by Israeli bombardment across the Gaza Strip, ever since the ceasefire agreement came into effect on October 10.

“In light of the ongoing disaster of damaged homes collapsing on their residents, the latest of which occurred Saturday evening in Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City, leading to the death of four citizens, the number of victims has risen to 18 as a result of the collapse of 46 buildings across the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire began last October,” the Ministry of Interior and National Security in Gaza said in a statement on Monday.

The ministry cautioned that the impact of the disaster could escalate, as reconstruction efforts remain stalled and Israel continues to block the entry of mobile homes.

It noted that the issue is particularly concerning with the arrival of winter, heightening the risk of additional collapses.

The ministry called on the international community to take immediate action and expedite the delivery of reconstruction materials and temporary housing to provide safe shelter for displaced families.

It emphasized that any delay in addressing this matter would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and endanger the lives of hundreds of thousands, putting them at immediate risk of death.

In recent weeks, Gaza has been hit hard by heavy rain, strong winds, and freezing temperatures, causing severe damage as over 53,000 tents, which had been serving as temporary shelters for displaced Palestinians, were either flooded or destroyed.

Large swathes of buildings and infrastructure have been devastated, leading to rapid flooding in the streets and frequent sewage overflows.

Displaced families have taken shelter in the remnants of partially collapsed buildings, even though they face the danger of further collapse. Just last week, 13 buildings in Gaza gave way.

Since the ceasefire took effect, Israel has persisted in preventing humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip, despite appeals from numerous United Nations agencies, international organizations, and various states urging an end to the blockade.

The UN has said that Israel has blocked the delivery of tents and blankets to Palestinians, despite around 55,000 families experiencing damage or loss of their belongings and shelters due to the storm.

Source: Press TV