"100 trapped in the rubble": Fatalities in building collapse in Gaza

At least 12 Palestinians, including five children, were killed in the collapse of a seven-story building in western Gaza City. Gaza's Civil Defense estimates that around 100 more are trapped under the rubble. The building, bombed during the war, was used to house displaced people. The UN warns that 400 additional buildings are at risk of collapse.

At least 12 Palestinians, including five children, were killed overnight (Tuesday to Wednesday) in the collapse of a seven-story building in western Gaza City. According to Gaza's Civil Defense, 14 people were injured, and an estimated 100 more are trapped under the rubble. The building collapsed after being bombed earlier during the war and was used to house displaced Palestinians. According to Reuters, tens of thousands of Palestinians live in about 2,000 buildings damaged by Israeli airstrikes. Raed al-Dahshan, director of Civil Defense services in Gaza City, said at least 10 families lived in the building, and voices can still be heard from under the rubble. Alessandro Maracich, head of the UN Development Program (UNDP) office in Gaza, said about 400 buildings are at risk of collapse, especially ahead of winter. Palestinian and UN officials blame Israeli restrictions for the lack of heavy equipment, while Israel claims the restrictions are meant to prevent equipment from reaching terrorist organizations. According to the UN, the war has left about 61 million tons of rubble, which could take seven years to clear.