Gaza Ministry of Social Development: We are following, with deep sorrow, grief, and profound pain, the humanitarian disaster that occurred this evening as a result of the collapse of a sand embankment onto the tents of displaced persons in one of the shelters south of Deir al-Balah city in central Gaza Strip, which so far has resulted in 5 martyrs (killed), including children and a woman, and the injury of others with varying wounds, amid the continued search for missing persons.

Gaza Ministry of Social Development:

▪We are following, with deep sorrow, grief, and profound pain, the humanitarian disaster that occurred this evening as a result of the collapse of a sand embankment onto the tents of displaced persons in one of the shelters south of Deir al-Balah city in central Gaza Strip, which so far has resulted in 5 martyrs (killed), including children and a woman, and the injury of others with varying wounds, amid the continued search for missing persons.

▪We mourn the martyrs (killed) of this incident, offering our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the martyrs (killed), and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.

▪We affirm that this humanitarian disaster clearly reflects the extent of the harsh and ongoing dangers surrounding displaced persons in shelters and camps, especially in light of the absence of basic safety requirements and the fragility of infrastructure and tents that cannot withstand harsh conditions.

▪We stress that the tragedy is a direct result of the arbitrary measures of the occupation, represented by reducing the areas designated for displacement and moving what is called the "yellow line," which forced citizens to pitch their tents in highly dangerous geographic areas.

▪In the face of this disaster, the ministry affirms the following:

▪We hold the Israeli occupation fully responsible for this tragedy due to its reduction of the land area by moving what is called the yellow line, and its obstruction and continued prevention of the entry of shelter supplies, construction materials, caravans, and basic needs to prevent the recurrence of such painful incidents.

▪We call on the United Nations, the European Union, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to exert serious and immediate pressure on the occupation to abide by the agreements and withdraw to beyond the "yellow line," and to allow the immediate entry of mobile homes (caravans) and the implementation of relief infrastructure projects; the ministry warns that disregarding this means the continuation of the crime of genocide and the fall of more innocent victims among children, women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

▪We call for strengthening urgent relief support for shelters in various areas of the Gaza Strip.

▪We call on international institutions to work immediately to find fundamental solutions that ensure the protection of civilians and displaced persons and provide the most basic of their human rights to a dignified and safe life before it is too late and so that such a painful disaster will not be repeated.