Rescue workers in Gaza City are searching for survivors after a six-storey residential building collapsed, killing at least 21 people, including eight children.
The building, in the Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood, had reportedly suffered serious damage during the war and was left leaning dangerously before its eventual collapse.
Several families had continued to live in the structure despite its condition, according to residents who spoke to the BBC.
The families were reportedly displaced and had limited options for finding alternative accommodation.
70 to 100 People May Be Under Rubble
The scale of the collapse has made the rescue operation particularly difficult.
UN officials at the scene estimated that between 70 and 100 people may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Rescuers initially had to use their hands to remove debris because of shortages of heavy machinery and other equipment.
Raed al-Dahshan of Gaza Civil Defence said emergency workers were still hearing voices from underneath the collapsed building.
UN officials said more equipment was urgently needed to improve the chances of reaching people trapped below.
An Egyptian rescue team and UN agencies have joined the search.
Residents Saw Signs of Danger
People living near the building said its condition had deteriorated over time.
Mansour Abu Mohammed, a former neighbour, said pieces of the building had been falling regularly and that its tilt was clearly visible.
Umm Mohammed Bakrun, who was staying in a nearby tent, recalled hearing a powerful noise before seeing dust and debris spread across the area.
She said screams could be heard shortly after the building came down.
Local residents estimated that about 10 families occupied the building.
Warning Over Other Damaged Structures
The tragedy has also drawn attention to the condition of other buildings damaged during the conflict.
The UNDP’s Gaza office said around 400 damaged buildings could face an imminent risk of collapse.
UN officials have called for heavy machinery, spare parts and other equipment to be allowed into Gaza to assist rescue teams.
They have also called for additional shelter materials ahead of the winter rains.
Israel has maintained that restrictions on some equipment are intended to prevent materials that could have military applications from being diverted to armed groups.
The UN estimates that about 80% of structures in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed since the war began.
More than 1.9 million people have been displaced, according to UN figures, with many having been forced to move several times.
The collapse comes as humanitarian agencies continue to warn about the difficult conditions facing civilians across Gaza.
