A war-damaged building collapsed in Gaza, killing at least 16 Palestinians, including five children, as rescuers searched the rubble for survivors.
The seven-storey building collapsed overnight while families were sheltering inside. Gaza civil defence officials said 14 other people suffered injuries.
Rescuers believe nearly 100 people could still be trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams continued digging through the wreckage on Wednesday.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians live in about 2,000 buildings across Gaza that suffered damage during Israeli airstrikes.
Rescuers Search for Survivors
Raed Al-Dahshan, director of Gaza City’s civil defence service, said at least 10 families lived in the building.
He said rescuers could still hear voices beneath the rubble. That raised hopes that some people might survive.
Video obtained by Reuters showed rescue workers trying to free two people trapped under a collapsed wall.
Another video shared on social media showed civil defence spokesman Mahmoud Basal carrying a young girl wrapped in a blood-stained scarf.
Rescue teams face major challenges because they lack heavy machinery.
Alessandro Mrakic, head of the U.N. Development Programme’s Gaza office, said some U.N. agencies were assisting the rescue operation. Egypt’s relief agency was also providing support.
Mrakic said rescuers had to dig through the rubble by hand because they lacked the equipment needed for the operation.
He also warned that around 400 other buildings face a possible collapse. Winter rain could increase the danger.
Shortage of Heavy Machinery
Palestinian and U.N. officials blame Israeli restrictions on Gaza for the shortage of heavy equipment.
Israel says its restrictions aim to prevent militants from obtaining equipment that could support their activities.
Ramiz Alakbarov, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said the collapse showed the dangers facing families living in damaged buildings.
He called for safer shelter options and said people should not have to risk their lives simply to find somewhere to stay.
Gaza civil defence officials have urged residents to avoid damaged structures. The service estimates that families still live in about 2,000 buildings that suffered damage.
Dahshan said limited shelter options forced some families into the building. They believed it could provide protection from the weather.
Damaged Buildings Remain a Major Risk
The war has left large areas of Gaza covered with damaged buildings and debris.
The United Nations estimates that the conflict has generated about 61 million tonnes of rubble. The organisation has said clearing the debris could take years.
Many families have previously told Reuters that they moved into partially damaged buildings because they lacked safer options.
Some families also sought shelter in those structures because they had no new tents. Others wanted protection from strong winds and rain.
A U.S.-backed ceasefire that began in October 2025 halted large-scale fighting. However, Israeli strikes have continued, according to Palestinian officials.
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire. Israel has made similar accusations against Hamas.
The two sides also remain divided over the next steps toward a permanent settlement. Hamas has called for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and its own disarmament remains a key issue in negotiations.
According to Gaza health officials, more than 1,300 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire began. The Israeli military says four Israeli soldiers have also died during the period.
Hamas does not routinely provide figures for fighters killed in the conflict.
