At least 20 killed after war-damaged Gaza building collapses

A war-damaged building in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, collapsed, resulting in at least 20 deaths, including five children, and leaving dozens of people missing, according to rescue teams. The six-storey building, located in the Tal al-Hawa area, housed around 10 families despite warnings about its unsafe condition. The Hamas-run Civil Defence rescue service initially lacked equipment due to Israeli restrictions; however, they later borrowed heavy machinery from UN agencies and Egyptian relief workers.

Rescue director Raed al-Dahshan stated there was still hope to find survivors under the rubble, as voices could be heard. UNDP Gaza office head Alessandro Mrakic reported that between 70 and 100 people were trapped under the rubble, stating that rescue efforts were hindered by a lack of necessary equipment. Approximately 400 other war-damaged buildings in Gaza were also at risk of collapsing, especially as winter approached.

The UN humanitarian co-ordinator, Ramiz Alakbarov, urged Israeli authorities to permit deliveries of heavy machinery, tents, tarpaulins, and other non-food items for displaced people ahead of the winter rains. Over 80% of Gaza's structures have been destroyed or damaged during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. More than 1.9 million people, comprising about 90% of the territory's population, have been displaced, with 1.2 million currently residing in tents or makeshift shelters.

Despite a ceasefire agreed upon in October, the UN warns that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, as Israeli air strikes and other attacks continue to cause casualties and property damage, driving further displacement. Israeli air strikes on Tuesday killed at least five Palestinians, including two children and a Hamas commander, while a British charity reported a patient killed by an Israeli drone at a health centre in northern Gaza.