War-damaged Gaza building collapses, killing 20 people seeking shelter inside - report

Gaza rescuers on Wednesday combed through the wreckage of a bombed-out apartment building that collapsed overnight, killing at least 20 Palestinians, including children, and trapping about 100 others beneath the rubble.Rescue workers from the civil defense said at least 20 people, including five children, were killed and 14 others injured when the seven-story building collapsed. About 100 more people were believed to be under the rubble.A video obtained by Reuters appeared to show rescue workers trying to pull out two people from under a collapsed wall. Another video on social media appeared to show Gaza's civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal carrying a little girl, wrapped in a blood-stained scarf.Raed al-Dahshan, the director of Gaza City's civil defense service, claimed that at least 10 families lived in the collapsed building and that there was still hope of finding survivors."We are still hearing voices from under the rubble," claimed Dahshan.Alessandro Mrakic, head of the UN Development Programme's Gaza office, said some UN agencies were taking part in the rescue efforts, which he described as difficult due to the lack of proper machinery. Egypt's relief agency was also helping."The situation, as you see, is tragic because we don't have the equipment and machinery that is needed. So there are actually people who are digging with their bare hands," said Mrakic."There are approximately 400 buildings at risk of collapse. And we know that these buildings will collapse, especially now with the upcoming winter," he added, referring to the potential impact of rain.Palestinian, UN officials blame Israel for Gazan lack of heavy machinery to clear collapsed structuresPalestinian and UN officials blame Israel's restrictions on Gaza for the lack of heavy machinery. Israel says its curbs aim to keep equipment out of the hands of terrorists."Today's tragedy underscores the grave risks faced by families living in these structures and the urgent need for safer alternatives. No one should have to risk their life simply to find a safe place to shelter," said Ramiz Alakbarov, UN humanitarian coordinator for Palestinian territories.Dahshan warned residents to stay away from damaged buildings because of the risk of collapse. The local rescue service says about 2,000 damaged buildings are inhabited by families."The limited availability of shelter options forced residents to move into this building, believing it was safe. However, at one point it collapsed entirely, tragically crashing down on people as they slept," said Dahshan.Many families have told Reuters in the past months that they resorted to living in partially damaged buildings to protect themselves against wind and rainstorms, and because of the lack of new tents for the homeless.