Gaza: Building collapse kills 21, including 11 children as perilous conditions persist for Palestinians

A war-damaged six-storey building in Gaza City collapsed overnight, resulting in at least 21 deaths, including eight children, and dozens of people missing, local rescuers and medics report. The building, situated in the Tal al-Hawa area, had been tilted dangerously after an Israeli strike over a year ago, prompting displaced families to reside inside for safety.

The UN agencies and an Egyptian team have joined the search, but the rescue operations are slow due to a lack of equipment. Members of the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency initially attempted to extract victims using their bare hands. Raed al-Dahshan, the director of Gaza City's Civil Defence, stated that voices were still audible under the rubble, hinting at potential survivors.

Umm Mohammed Bakrun, a displaced resident, recounted hearing screams and stones raining down as the building suddenly collapsed early Wednesday. Meanwhile, Mansour Abu Mohammed noted that stones had been falling from the structure daily, yet residents had no other option but to live there due to lack of shelter. The UNDP Gaza office head, Alessandro Mrakic, estimated that between 70 and 100 individuals were trapped beneath the debris, with nearly 400 other war-damaged buildings in Gaza at risk of collapse, especially as winter approaches.

He called for urgent assistance, particularly in the form of machinery, oil, and spare parts, for the ongoing rescue efforts. The UN humanitarian relief co-ordinator, Ramiz Alakbarov, expressed his devastation over the collapse, emphasizing that no one should risk their life for shelter. He further urged Israeli authorities to allow the delivery of heavy machinery for rescue operations and essential supplies for displaced individuals in anticipation of winter rains.

Israel maintains that its restrictions aim to prevent equipment from falling into the hands of Palestinian armed groups that could potentially misuse it militarily. According to the UN, approximately 80% of Gaza's structures have been destroyed or damaged during the conflict, displacing over 1.9 million people, with 1.2 million currently residing in tents or makeshift shelters.

Despite a ceasefire agreed in October, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israeli air strikes continuing to strike residential areas, causing additional casualties and damage.