Gaza Herald – Five Palestinians, including three children and two women, were killed when a sand mass collapsed on displacement tents in Deir al-Balah. The incident occurred in central Gaza Strip during the winter season.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense in Gaza warned of increasing risks from collapsing sand masses and unstable soil. These dangers are particularly high in areas where tents are built near slopes and earth aggregates.
Authorities cited rainfall and weather lows as factors affecting the sector. They urged citizens to avoid setting up or staying near tall sand blocks, especially during precipitation periods.
The Directorate described the event as a humanitarian tragedy requiring urgent intervention. It called for providing safe shelter and moving tents away from threatened sites immediately.
Following the collapse, the Director of the Government Media Office in Gaza warned of an imminent disaster. He stated that dozens of cracked buildings could collapse on their residents due to ongoing war damage.
He blamed the occupation and the US administration for the humanitarian consequences. He also criticized the National Committee for managing affairs in the Strip for what he termed negligence.
The official issued an urgent appeal to international institutions and relevant bodies. He demanded immediate action and pressure to open crossings and allow aid entry into Gaza.
He emphasized that issuing statements does not exempt responsible parties from their duties. He insisted on practical field movement at both material and moral levels to address the crisis.
Displaced people in Gaza face extremely difficult shelter conditions. Many are forced to live in unprepared tents lacking protection against rain, cold, and collapse risks.
Risks worsen with winter rains making land and sand aggregates fragile. Damaged buildings from shelling pose additional threats to lives, particularly for families in or near cracked structures.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
