Gaza's civil defense crippled as infrastructure collapses and Hamas hijacks aid

In the Shuja’iyya district of Gaza City a wall collapsed onto tents housing displaced families, injuring several people, some critically. The incident highlights the deteriorating safety of makeshift shelters as Gaza’s civil‑defence department operates at roughly 15% of its pre‑war capacity after about 85% of its equipment was destroyed; vehicle readiness is estimated at only 10%.

At the same time, reports say Hamas militants have increasingly targeted humanitarian distribution points. In recent weeks they stormed food‑distribution sites and a World Food Programme warehouse in Jabalia, assaulting staff and smuggling goods such as cigarettes and phones inside aid trucks. The United Nations has suspended operations at the Jabalia camp amid these attacks, and officials say the illicit activities generate significant funds for the group while further endangering civilians.