A residential building in Gaza City collapsed early Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people, including children, and leaving many others missing and trapped under the rubble, according to local officials. The six-story structure, located in the Tal Al-Hawa neighborhood, had sustained significant damage from previous Israeli strikes during the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The building collapse occurred around 2 a.m. local time. Authorities reported that around 60 to 100 people were inside the building at the time, many of whom were displaced families living in the damaged structure due to the widespread destruction across Gaza. Adjacent tents reportedly housed other displaced residents, some of whom were also among the victims.
Rescue operations have been underway, with local Civil Defense teams, supported by Egyptian-backed rescue crews and the International Committee of the Red Cross, working through the debris to locate survivors and recover bodies. However, rescuers face substantial challenges due to a lack of heavy machinery and necessary equipment, attributed to restrictions on the entry of construction materials and equipment into Gaza. Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal noted these limitations have hampered efforts, emphasizing the urgency of allowing heavy equipment to aid search-and-rescue operations.
Local officials warned that tens of buildings in Gaza City remain structurally compromised and at risk of collapse. They highlighted the difficult choices for residents, who must decide between living in severely damaged buildings or in overcrowded tents exposed to harsh weather conditions. Pat Griffiths, spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross, highlighted the dangerous conditions faced by families, especially with the onset of winter rains and winds, which may further destabilize weakened structures.
The building had reportedly been struck multiple times during previous Israeli military operations in 2024 and March 2025. While the Israeli military denied targeting this specific structure during the current conflict, it acknowledged ongoing operations against Hamas militants in the area, saying a recent attack resulting in civilian casualties is under review.
The collapse illustrates the prolonged humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023 and the intense Israeli military response that followed. Gaza’s health ministry, run by Hamas, estimates that the conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and extensive displacement. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire reached in October 2025, reconstruction efforts have stalled amid ongoing tensions and restrictions on the flow of materials into the enclave.
Israel’s defense minister reiterated on Wednesday that a full resumption of military operations in Gaza could occur, framing the conflict as part of an effort to remove much of Gaza’s population, a statement made ahead of Israeli elections and amid political debate within the country.
United Nations officials called for urgent international support to enable safer living conditions, facilitate reconstruction, and access for search-and-rescue teams. The UN humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories described the tragedy as a stark reminder of the urgent need for safer shelter alternatives and warned of the mounting risks posed by damaged infrastructure across Gaza.