At Least 21 Killed as War-Damaged Building Collapses in Gaza City

At least 21 people, including eight children, have died and dozens remain missing after a war-damaged six-storey building collapsed overnight in the Tal al-Hawa area of Gaza City, according to local rescuers and medical personnel. Rescuers from the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency initially resorted to searching for survivors beneath the debris using their bare hands.

Witnesses reported that the structure had been left tilting dangerously following an Israeli strike over a year ago. Approximately 10 displaced families were living inside the damaged building due to a severe lack of shelter options in the territory. Search efforts are currently being conducted by local crews, UN agencies, and an Egyptian team, but officials report that operations are proceeding slowly due to a critical shortage of heavy machinery and equipment.

Risks from Damaged Infrastructure

Alessandro Mrakic, head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Gaza office, stated at the scene that between 70 and 100 people are believed to be trapped under the rubble. Mrakic warned that around 400 other war-damaged structures across Gaza face an imminent risk of collapse, particularly with the approach of winter. He emphasized the urgent need for heavy equipment, spare parts, and engine oil to maintain rescue operations.

UN humanitarian relief co-ordinator Ramiz Alakbarov called on Israeli authorities to allow the delivery of heavy rescue machinery, along with tents and tarpaulins for displaced residents. Israel maintains that its restrictions on certain equipment imports are designed to prevent dual-use items from being acquired by Palestinian armed groups.

Widespread Displacement and Conflict Impact

According to UN estimates, roughly 80 percent of all buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed since the conflict began following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. More than 1.9 million people—about 90 percent of Gaza's population—have been displaced, with 1.2 million currently residing in tents or temporary shelters.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that over 73,790 people have been killed in the enclave since the start of the war, figures that the UN considers reliable. Despite a ceasefire agreed last October, military strikes and casualties continue to be reported across the territory.