Eight children among 21 killed after war-damaged Gaza building collapses, rescuers say

According to BBC News, at least 21 people, including eight children, died after a six-story building in the Tal al-Hawa area of Gaza City collapsed overnight. Local witnesses reported that the structure had been unstable and visibly tilted since an Israeli strike more than a year ago. Despite the danger, displaced families had been living in the building because they lacked alternative housing options. Rescue operations are currently underway, involving the UN and local emergency teams, though efforts are significantly hampered by a severe shortage of heavy machinery and equipment.

Officials estimate that between 70 and 100 people may remain trapped beneath the debris, with some rescuers resorting to digging with their bare hands. Alessandro Mrakic of the UNDP warned that roughly 400 other war-damaged buildings across the territory are at risk of collapsing, particularly as winter approaches. While UN humanitarian coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov has called on Israeli authorities to allow the entry of heavy machinery for rescue efforts, Israel maintains that such restrictions are necessary to prevent equipment from being repurposed by Palestinian armed groups.

The collapse occurs within a wider humanitarian crisis, as the UN reports that approximately 80% of Gaza’s structures have been damaged or destroyed during the ongoing war. With over 1.9 million people displaced and many living in inadequate shelters, the region continues to face persistent military activity and significant infrastructure challenges.

Source: BBC News — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvp8d00j9gg5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss