Gaza building collapse kills 20 sheltering inside

On Wednesday, a seven-story apartment building in Gaza collapsed, resulting in at least 20 fatalities, including six children, and leaving around 100 others trapped under the rubble, according to Gaza’s civil defense officials. The incident occurred overnight and has left tens of thousands of Palestinians living in damaged buildings across the region.

Rescue workers from Gaza’s civil defense have been working tirelessly to locate survivors amidst the wreckage, with some aid agencies, including the UN Development Programme, participating in the rescue efforts. However, the lack of proper machinery has made the situation challenging, with UN officials citing Israel’s restrictions on Gaza as the primary factor behind the shortage of heavy equipment.

Egypt’s relief agency is also contributing to the rescue operations. The collapse of the building highlights the urgent need for safer alternatives for Palestinians living in such structures, as they face significant risks due to the ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Ramiz Alakbarov, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, emphasized that no one should have to risk their life for a safe place to shelter.

Israel attributes its restrictions to preventing equipment from falling into the hands of militants, but Palestinian officials argue that these limitations have dire consequences for the civilian population. With over 1,300 Palestinians killed since the October 2025 US-backed ceasefire, which has not halted Israeli strikes, the tragedy underscores the dire living conditions faced by Gaza's residents.