At least 21 people, including eight children, have been killed after a war-damaged residential building collapsed in Gaza City, according to local rescuers and medics. The six-storey building, located in the Tal al-Hawa area, had reportedly been damaged during the conflict and was left leaning dangerously to one side. Despite warnings about its condition, displaced families continued to live inside because of the severe shortage of safe shelter. Witnesses said around 10 families had been staying in the building when it suddenly collapsed overnight, trapping residents beneath tonnes of rubble

At least 21 people, including eight children, have been killed after a war-damaged residential building collapsed in Gaza City, according to local rescuers and medics. The six-storey building, located in the Tal al-Hawa area, had reportedly been damaged during the conflict and was left leaning dangerously to one side. Despite warnings about its condition, displaced families continued to live inside because of the severe shortage of safe shelter. Witnesses said around 10 families had been staying in the building when it suddenly collapsed overnight, trapping residents beneath tonnes of rubble. Rescue teams initially searched through the debris with their bare hands because of the shortage of heavy machinery. UN agencies and an Egyptian team later joined the rescue operation, but officials said the search remained difficult and slow. Reuters reported that dozens of people were believed to remain trapped beneath the rubble. Raed al-Dahshan, director of Gaza City's Civil Defence, said rescuers were still hearing voices from beneath the debris, raising hopes that some people could be found alive. The collapse has also highlighted the wider danger facing civilians living among structures damaged during the war. UN officials have warned that hundreds of other damaged buildings across Gaza could be at risk of collapse, particularly as winter weather approaches. The United Nations Development Programme said between 70 and 100 people were initially believed to be trapped under the collapsed building and called for more machinery and equipment to support rescue operations. The humanitarian situation remains severe. Reuters reported that tens of thousands of Palestinians are living in buildings damaged during Israeli military operations, while large numbers of people continue to depend on tents and makeshift shelters. The Israeli government has said restrictions on some equipment entering Gaza are intended to prevent materials with potential military uses from reaching armed groups. Humanitarian agencies, meanwhile, continue to call for greater access to rescue equipment and shelter materials. The building collapse adds another layer to the dangers facing civilians in Gaza, where damaged infrastructure, displacement and limited access to essential equipment continue to affect daily life.

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