The collapse of a seven-story building in Gaza early on Tuesday resulted in the death of at least 20 Palestinians, including six children, and dozens more were trapped under the rubble. This incident occurred while thousands of Palestinians are living in around 2,000 damaged buildings due to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
Rescue Efforts and Critical Situation
Rescue forces from Gaza's civil defense services reported that 20 people lost their lives in this incident, and 14 others were injured. Additionally, nearly 100 more are likely trapped under the rubble. A video released of the rescue efforts shows workers trying to pull people from beneath the debris.
Read more: Republican Representative's Effort to Impeach Defense Secretary Over Anti-Iran Actions
Raed Al-Dahshan, the head of civil defense services in Gaza City, stated that at least 10 families lived in the collapsed building, and there is still hope of finding survivors. He added, "We can still hear voices from beneath the rubble."
Rescue Challenges and Lack of Resources
Alessandro Mercuri, head of the United Nations Development Program office in Gaza, said that some UN agencies are participating in the rescue efforts, but the operation is very difficult due to a lack of proper equipment. He stated, "The situation, as you can see, is catastrophic because we do not have the necessary equipment and machinery. Right now, people are digging with bare hands."
Mercuri also pointed to the risk of collapse of about 400 other buildings in Gaza, saying, "We know these buildings will collapse, especially with the approach of winter and rain. Palestinian officials and the UN cite Israeli restrictions on Gaza as the reason for the lack of heavy machinery. Israel claims these restrictions are in place to prevent armed groups from accessing this equipment."
Ramiz Al-Akbarov, the UN humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories, expressed concern about the serious dangers families face in these buildings, saying, "Today's disaster highlights the urgent need for safer alternatives. No one should risk their life to find a safe place to shelter."
Israeli attacks on Gaza, which began after Hamas's deadly assault on Israel in October 2023, have resulted in approximately 61 million tons of debris and waste, the cleanup of which could take seven years. Al-Dahshan warned residents not to approach the destroyed buildings due to the risk of collapse.
Many families have recently reported to various news agencies that due to a lack of tents for the homeless, they have resorted to living in partially destroyed buildings to protect themselves from wind and rainstorms.
A US-backed ceasefire in October 2025 halted large-scale hostilities in Gaza, but did not end Israeli attacks and resulted in little progress towards sustainable peace. Hamas has criticized Israel for violating the ceasefire and undermining efforts to implement President Donald Trump's comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict.
According to reports from Gaza health officials, since the ceasefire began, over 1,300 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have lost their lives, while the Israeli army has reported that four Israeli soldiers have been killed.
Read more: Saudi Arabia: Houthis Attack the Holy City of Mecca · Miraculous Rescue: The Story of an American Air Force Officer Who Crashed in Iran
