War-damaged Gaza building collapses, killing 20 people sheltering inside

Gaza rescuers on Wednesday searched through the wreckage of a bombed-out apartment building that collapsed overnight, killing at least 20 Palestinians, including six children, and trapping dozens of others beneath the rubble.

Gaza’s civil defence said 14 people were injured and nearly 100 others were believed to be trapped under the rubble after the seven-storey building collapsed.

Raed Al-Dahshan, director of Gaza City's civil defence service, said at least 10 families had been living in the building and there was still hope of finding survivors.

“We are still hearing voices from under the rubble,” Dahshan said.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians are living in about 2,000 buildings damaged by Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, according to Gaza's local rescue service.

Alessandro Mrakic, head of the UN Development Programme’s Gaza office, said some UN agencies were taking part in the rescue efforts, which were being hampered by a lack of heavy machinery. Egypt’s relief agency was also assisting.

“The situation, as you see, is tragic because we don't have the equipment and machinery that is needed. So there are actually people that are digging with their bare hands,” Mrakic said.

There are approximately 400 buildings at risk of collapse, he said, warning that rain and winter weather could increase the danger.

Palestinian and UN officials blame Israeli restrictions on Gaza for the shortage of heavy machinery. Israel says the restrictions are intended to prevent equipment from reaching militants.

“Today’s tragedy underscores the grave risks faced by families living in these structures and the urgent need for safer alternatives. No one should have to risk their life simply to find a safe place to shelter,” said Ramiz Alakbarov, UN humanitarian coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Israel’s assault on Gaza, launched after Hamas’ deadly raid into Israel in October 2023, has generated about 61 million tons of wreckage and debris that could take seven years to clear, according to the UN.

Dahshan warned residents to stay away from damaged buildings because of the risk of collapse. The local rescue service says about 2,000 damaged buildings are still inhabited by families.

Many families have told Reuters in recent months that they have resorted to living in partially damaged buildings to protect themselves from wind and rain and because of a shortage of new tents for displaced people.

An October 2025 US-backed ceasefire halted large-scale fighting in Gaza, but Israeli strikes have continued and there has been little progress towards a permanent peace agreement.

Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and undermining efforts to implement US President Donald Trump’s broader plan to end the conflict, which includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas.

Israel says Hamas has violated the deal.

More than 1,300 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire took effect, according to territory health officials. The Israeli military says four Israeli soldiers have been killed.