Gaza: At least 20 killed in deadly building collapse, search for survivors continues

Rescue teams continued searching for survivors in Gaza City on Wednesday following the collapse of a building damaged during the war between Israel and Hamas fighters. The incident killed at least 20 people, according to reports, and highlighted the risks faced by displaced Palestinians living in unstable shelters. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, expressed devastation over reports of people trapped under rubble. Roughly 100 people, including 50 children, had been sheltering in the building before the collapse.

The UN and humanitarian partners mobilized emergency support, with Egypt providing heavy machinery and the United Arab Emirates and Qatar preparing to deliver relief items. The UN Development Programme deployed available machinery and workers to assist rescue efforts. Alakbarov emphasized the need to support survivors with health, shelter and critical services using limited stocks in Gaza. He stressed that lives may still be saved and every effort must be made to reach those trapped.

Across Gaza, families are living in hundreds of damaged and unsafe shelters, facing grave risks. Alakbarov noted that today’s tragedy underscores the urgent need for safer alternatives. He called for approvals to allow entry of heavy machinery, specialized equipment, engine oil, fuel, tents and tarpaulins to support search-and-rescue operations and protect displaced families.

Aid teams are helping people move from damaged buildings and flood-prone areas to safer sites ahead of the rainy season. Alakbarov reiterated that every possible effort must be made to save lives, protect people from further harm and provide families with safer places to live. He emphasized that every minute counts in these operations to prevent further loss of life.