At least 16 killed after building in Gaza City damaged by Israeli strikes collapses

Key Points:

• A building housing displaced Palestinian families in Gaza City collapsed on Wednesday, killing at least 16 people, including five children, with rescuers still searching for dozens believed trapped under the rubble.
• The multi-storey building had been severely weakened by previous Israeli airstrikes, and its collapse also crushed tents sheltering displaced families, highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by Palestinians living in damaged structures across Gaza.
• Rescue efforts are hampered by a lack of heavy machinery and resources due to Israeli restrictions on Gaza, forcing many to dig with bare hands amid extremely difficult conditions.
• Israeli strikes have continued despite a fragile ceasefire, with over 1,300 Palestinians killed and 4,600 wounded since October 11, while Israeli officials have signaled intentions to resume full-scale war and implement plans to displace Gaza’s population.
• Since the war began, the Gaza health ministry reports at least 73,783 Palestinians killed and 174,738 wounded, with a UN inquiry accusing Israel of committing genocide by deliberately targeting Palestinian children.