World
Associated Press

War-damaged building collapses in Gaza, killing at least 21

51 mins ago
Palestinian civil defence crews carry a body from the rubble of a collapsed building that housed displaced Palestinians and was heavily damaged during the Israel-Hamas war, in Gaza City, Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

A building used by displaced Palestinian families collapsed in Gaza City, killing at least 21 people.

The building that collapsed had been partially destroyed in an Israeli strike earlier in the war.

At least 21 people, including 11 children, died Wednesday, said Zaher al-Wahidi, a spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry.

It wasn't immediately clear what caused the collapse. At least 14 were injured, al-Wahidi said.

Palestinian civil defence crews search for bodies and survivors in the rubble of a collapsed building that housed displaced Palestinians and was heavily damaged during the Israel-Hamas war, in Gaza City, Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Teams joined a frantic search for survivors, with bodies being pulled from the rubble.

Such incidents have become a major hazard in Gaza, where the majority of buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

According to the BBC, Alessandro Mrakic, head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Gaza office, told reporters the situation was "tragic because we don't have the equipment and machinery that is needed".

Palestinian civil defence crews search for bodies and survivors in the rubble of a collapsed building that housed displaced Palestinians and was heavily damaged during the Israel-Hamas war, in Gaza City, Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

He said around 400 buildings across Gaza were at imminent risk of collapsing and pleaded for more support and equipment.

"Our colleagues here don't have [engine] oil and spare parts to continue to work with all the equipment that is still in Gaza."

There’s been no large-scale reconstruction work since the ceasefire nearly a year ago. Israel has said that it won’t allow any major rebuilding until Hamas disarms.

According to the UN, an estimated 80% of all structures in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged in the war. More than 1.9 million people have been displaced.

- Additional reporting by 1News

The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including how hard it might be to shake up our supermarkets, and speculation mounts over the new James Bond. (Source: 1News)

SHARE ME

More Stories