Gaza building collapse kills 20

A residential building in Gaza City collapsed overnight, claiming at least 20 lives, including children, according to a spokesman for the Hamas-controlled civil defence authority. About 25 others sustained injuries in the tragedy. Spokesman Mahmud Basal reported that roughly 100 people were trapped under the rubble, but rescue efforts were hampered by a lack of equipment and heavy machinery.

Palestinian sources claim the six-story building was struck by Israeli missiles during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Buildings weakened by the fighting have collapsed multiple times throughout the war between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli army stated they were investigating the incident. Residents reported that over 60 people, primarily displaced individuals, were residing in the building at the time of its collapse.

The civil defense authority also believed that some of the victims were among those seeking refuge in tents adjacent to the affected structure. Footage shared on social media captured the aftermath of the collapse, with mountains of rubble and volunteers attempting to free a distressed child. Despite a ceasefire being in effect since October 2025, Israel has recently intensified its airstrikes, alleging they were aimed at senior Hamas members.

The Gaza Strip has been severely damaged, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians losing their homes and often residing in makeshift shelters like tents or damaged buildings susceptible to collapse.