A six-story building in the Gaza Strip collapsed, resulting in 21 deaths, including 8 children. Meanwhile, the United Nations warned that over 400 additional buildings remain at risk of collapse.
Foreign news agencies reported that a six-story building in the Tal al-Hawa area of Gaza City collapsed on Tuesday night, killing at least 21 people, including 8 children, and injuring 45 others.
The building had been damaged by Israeli attacks last year and was dangerously tilted, but displaced families had to risk living there due to lack of alternative shelter.
Rescue efforts following the collapse faced severe difficulties and limitations. Initially, civil defense officials and volunteers had to dig through debris by hand to search for survivors because of a shortage of machinery and rescue equipment.
Later, United Nations teams and Egyptian rescue groups joined the search and began borrowing or using some heavy equipment to assist with debris removal. However, progress was very slow due to shortages of fuel and spare parts needed to operate the remaining machinery.
After continuing the search until Wednesday afternoon, rescue officials announced the operation had ended, confirming the reported deaths and injuries.
The Gaza conflict has lasted nearly three years, with the UN estimating that about 80% of buildings and structures in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving over 1.9 million people—90% of the population—displaced.
A representative from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warned that around 400 more war-damaged buildings across Gaza are at risk of collapsing at any moment, especially with the approach of winter.
The United Nations has called on Israel to approve the delivery of heavy machinery for rescue operations, as well as tents and relief supplies to assist displaced persons. Israel, however, states that transport must be limited to prevent armed groups from using machinery for military purposes.
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Source:bbc