Gaza Building Collapse Kills 21, Including 12 Children

A six-storey residential building in the Tal al-Hawa area of Gaza City collapsed around 2 a.m. local time on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, including 12 children and five women, according to Gaza Civil Defence and health authorities. The building, known as Al-Saada, had been struck by Israeli bombardment multiple times in 2024 and March 2025. It was housing over 100 displaced people when it fell onto nearby homes and tents.

Rescue teams recovered 21 bodies and transported 45 injured to Al-Shifa Hospital, but dozens remain missing or trapped under the rubble. Operations are severely hampered by a shortage of heavy machinery, fuel, and spare parts, which Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Basal attributed to Israeli restrictions on equipment entry into Gaza. Rescuers are working with limited tools and rudimentary equipment.

“These buildings are nothing but ticking time bombs.”

Civil Defence director Raed al-Dahshan said authorities had warned residents the building was unstable, but many refused to leave fearing worse displacement conditions. He noted roughly 70 buildings in Gaza City are at risk of collapse. Humanitarian groups warn the approaching winter rains will increase the danger, forcing families to choose between damaged buildings and inadequate tents.