Gazans build temporary houses while awaiting reconstruction
In the absence of funds and construction materials, which delayed the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip, Palestinians are resorting to relief associations that provide them with temporary wooden houses.
KHAN YUNIS, Gaza Strip — Palestinians whose homes were destroyed during the last war on the Gaza Strip in July-August 2014, did not expect their suffering to last more than six months. Yet, they still do not know when they will be compensated and when their homes will be rebuilt, amid growing doubts that their suffering will last longer in light of the current political situation.
Ahmad Barakeh’s two-story house, with four apartments housing 11 family members, was destroyed. He hesitated when he was offered a temporary wooden house next to his destroyed concrete house, because he feared that this temporary house would end up being his permanent one.
Gazans are not used to building and living in wooden houses. Because of the high cost and shortages of land in Gaza, large families live in multi-floor concrete buildings that house the grandparents, children and married sons and their families.
Barakeh, who lives in al-Zanna neighborhood east of Khan Yunis, accepted after much contemplation a local organization to build him a new wooden house. He came to the conclusion that rebuilding his concrete house will probably take years as the entry of funds and construction materials into Gaza is obstructed.
