Building collapse in Gaza kills 16 as perilous conditions persist for Palestinians during truce
A seven‑storey apartment building in Gaza City collapsed overnight, killing at least 20 people, many of them women and children, and leaving almost a hundred trapped beneath the rubble. The collapse underscores the dire living conditions in Gaza, where damaged homes are still used as shelters amid…
A war‑damaged apartment building in Gaza City collapsed overnight, killing at least 20 people, including women and children, and leaving nearly 100 trapped under the rubble. The incident, which occurred in the Tal al‑Hawa neighbourhood, highlights the precarious situation for Palestinians who are forced to live in damaged structures while Israeli forces continue to strike the enclave.
What Happened
The seven‑storey building, which had four apartments on each floor, had been hit by Israeli airstrikes earlier in the war, leaving it cracked and structurally unsound. Overnight, the building gave way, crushing the homes of at least ten families and dropping debris onto nearby tents and houses. Rescue teams from Gaza’s Civil Defence, the United Nations and Egypt’s relief agency have been working around the clock to recover bodies and search for survivors.
Background: Living in a War‑Torn City
Since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, Gaza has endured relentless bombardment. The United Nations estimates that more than 61 million tonnes of debris have been generated, and around 2,000 damaged buildings are still occupied by families who have no alternative shelter. The lack of construction materials and heavy machinery—restricted by Israel to prevent use by militant groups—has left many residents in unsafe conditions.
The ceasefire that halted large‑scale fighting a year ago has not stopped Israeli strikes. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 1,300 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire, with women and children comprising about half of the toll. The ongoing violence has forced more than two million Palestinians into a shrinking area of the enclave, making every building a potential hazard.
Rescue Efforts and Humanitarian Response
Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal reported that nearly 100 people remain under the rubble. Rescue workers are using bare hands and improvised tools to dig through the debris, a process described by UN Development Programme head Alessandro Mrakic as “difficult due to the lack of proper machinery.” Egyptian relief teams are also assisting, but the sheer volume of wreckage and limited equipment have slowed progress.
Video footage shows rescuers pulling a child wrapped in a blood‑stained scarf from the wreckage, while other teams listen for voices from beneath the rubble. Raed Al‑Dahshan, director of Gaza City’s Civil Defence, expressed hope that survivors could still be found, noting that voices have been heard from within the collapsed structure.
Political Context and Ongoing Tensions
Israel maintains that it will not allow reconstruction in Gaza until Hamas disarms, citing security concerns. Hamas, on the other hand, accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire and of continuing attacks that endanger civilians. The stalled peace talks and the absence of a comprehensive settlement have left the humanitarian situation stagnant.
The collapse also comes amid criticism of Israel’s restrictions on heavy machinery and building materials. Palestinian and UN officials argue that these limitations exacerbate the risk of further building failures, especially as winter approaches and the threat of collapse increases.
What Happens Next?
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams still working to locate survivors and recover bodies. International aid agencies are calling for increased access to construction equipment and a review of safety protocols for occupied buildings. The incident has reignited calls for a renewed focus on humanitarian relief and a more robust ceasefire agreement that addresses the safety of civilians.
As the international community watches, the collapse serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution that prioritises civilian safety and reconstruction.
Why It Matters
The tragedy underscores the dire living conditions in Gaza and the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and a sustainable peace agreement.
Key Takeaways
- At least 20 people, including women and children, died in the collapse of a war‑damaged building in Gaza City.
- Nearly 100 individuals remain trapped under the rubble, with rescue efforts hampered by limited equipment.
- Gaza’s residents are forced to live in damaged structures due to a lack of new shelters and construction materials.
- Israel’s restrictions on heavy machinery have been cited as a factor in the unsafe conditions.
- The incident highlights the ongoing violence and stalled ceasefire negotiations.
FAQs
- What caused the building to collapse? The building had been damaged by earlier Israeli airstrikes, making it structurally unsound.
- How many people are still missing? About 100 people are believed to be trapped under the rubble.
- What is the international response? UN agencies and Egypt’s relief agency are assisting with rescue operations, while calls for more equipment and humanitarian aid continue.
- Will the building be rebuilt? Israel has stated that reconstruction will not occur until Hamas disarms.
Why it matters
The collapse highlights the extreme risks civilians face in a conflict zone where damaged buildings are used as shelters, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a lasting ceasefire.
Key points
- At least 20 people died, many women and children
- Nearly 100 remain trapped under rubble
- Gaza residents rely on damaged buildings due to lack of shelters
- Israel restricts heavy machinery, increasing collapse risk
- Ongoing violence and stalled ceasefire exacerbate the crisis
Frequently asked questions
What caused the building to collapse?
The building had been damaged by earlier Israeli airstrikes, leaving it structurally unsound.
How many people are still missing?
About 100 people are believed to be trapped under the rubble.
What is the international response?
UN agencies and Egypt’s relief agency are assisting with rescue operations, while calls for more equipment and humanitarian aid continue.
Will the building be rebuilt?
Israel has stated that reconstruction will not occur until Hamas disarms.
