Building collapse kills dozens in Gaza

At least 21 people, many children, died when a damaged building collapsed in Gaza City this week. The structure was hit during the war that began after October 7, 2023, which has killed 74,000 Palestinians.

Ceasefire hasn't stopped Israeli strikes

More than 1,300 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire began last October. Israel now controls about 70% of Gaza, up from 53% at the ceasefire's start, and continues military operations.

Meet Jaser AbuMousa

A senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and Gaza native, AbuMousa was born and raised in the strip. He recently discussed what daily life is actually like for Palestinians right now.

Two million people in 30% of land

Israel's control of 70% of Gaza has squeezed 2 million people into just 30% of the territory. This extreme crowding makes normal life nearly impossible for most Palestinians.

81% of Gaza is destroyed

According to UN statistics, 81% of Gaza's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. More than 300,000 housing units were completely destroyed, along with schools, hospitals, clinics, and mosques.

“eighty-one per cent of the Gaza Strip is damaged or destroyed”

People living in ruins, not tents

Many Gazans prefer living in the remains of their destroyed houses rather than tents, which offer no protection from rain, heat, or disease-carrying rodents. About 50% of people have no proper shelter.

Some signs of life returning

Restaurants have reopened and more weddings are happening. But these small signs of normalcy are overshadowed by the lack of construction materials, equipment to clear rubble, and severe restrictions on food imports.

Schools closed for third year

Hundreds of thousands of children have not attended school for three years. Universities are destroyed, and there is no timeline for reopening educational institutions.

Violence between Gazans escalating

Desperate conditions have sparked unprecedented internal violence. Three people were recently killed fighting over water from a truck. Domestic violence and attacks on vulnerable groups are widespread.

Peanut butter blocked as luxury

Israel is blocking peanut butter from entering Gaza, calling it a luxury item, despite it being a crucial nutritional supplement for malnourished children. Meanwhile, chocolate and sugar are allowed.

“they are allowing chocolates and they are allowing sugar into Gaza, but they do not allow something like peanut butter, which is nutritious”

Sewage system completely broken

No sewage network is functioning across Gaza. Only in areas that escaped destruction does the system work partially. This creates severe public health risks.

Israel expanded territory after ceasefire

The ceasefire established a Yellow Line marking 53% Israeli control and 47% Hamas control. Israel has since moved westward, taking over Gaza's agricultural areas and destroying food production.

Gaza's food basket is gone

Areas Israel took over after the ceasefire were Gaza's most productive farmland. Agricultural output has dropped to just 3-5% of pre-war levels. Gaza once exported tomatoes to Israel.

AbuMousa lost his entire family

His wife and two children were killed early in the war. In July 2025, his mother, sister, and her children were also killed. His brother was imprisoned for 20 months without charges.

His mother refused to flee

AbuMousa's 75-year-old mother, disabled from a car accident, had been displaced six times. When he warned her about approaching tanks, she said she would not move again. She was killed two days later.

“No, I'm not moving. Whatever happens, happens. I will not move this time.”

Doctors detained without charges

AbuMousa's brother, a hospital doctor, was taken from Nasser Hospital in February 2024 and held for 20 months without charges. Israel deliberately deprived medical institutions of staff.

Writing helps him cope and heal

AbuMousa says writing is therapeutic and helps him work toward solutions. He partners with Israeli and Palestinian peace groups and is translating his late wife's poetry into English.

“First of all, it is therapeutic, and I appreciate everyone who has encouraged me to write.”

He lost his oldest and youngest

Of his four children, AbuMousa lost his eldest son Hamaid, 18, and youngest son Abdulrahman, 8. His two middle children, Abdallah and Sham, are now with him in the United States.

His daughter found hope in school

His daughter Sham, 15, arrived in the US speaking no English in January 2025. By June, she graduated middle school and delivered the commencement speech at her ceremony.