Dozens Missing After Gaza Refugee Building Collapse; Rescue Efforts Hampered
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, at least nine Palestinians were killed and 14 injured when a residential building housing displaced families collapsed in the Al-Sana’a area, west of Gaza City. Reports indicate that around 100 individuals remain unaccounted for, trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams are currently engaged in intensive efforts to extract survivors from the debris of the six-story building, which reportedly contained four apartments per floor and was targeted earlier in the conflict.
The Gaza Civil Defense organization stated that the collapse occurred late last night, affecting dozens of displaced families who had sought shelter there due to a severe lack of adequate housing. Mahfoud Bassel, spokesperson for the Civil Defense, confirmed that the fate of nearly 100 people is still unknown, although rescue teams have managed to save nine individuals, including women and children.
Bassel attributed the challenges in the rescue operation, in part, to the Zionist occupation authorities’ refusal to allow the entry of sufficient equipment and supplies. He further highlighted that approximately 2,000 damaged and precarious buildings continue to be inhabited due to the absence of alternative housing or sufficient shelter space. Bassel appealed to Nikolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, to intervene immediately and fulfill his responsibilities regarding this tragic event. He also urged the international community and the guarantor countries of the ceasefire to expedite the provision of excavators, heavy equipment, and bulldozers to prevent further collapses.
Yahya Al-Sarraj, the Mayor of Gaza, expressed profound anger and sorrow over the loss of life, particularly among women, children, and the elderly. He warned that this incident is not isolated and could be repeated unless immediate intervention and the necessary equipment for rescue and reconstruction of damaged buildings are provided. Al-Sarraj underscored that despite repeated warnings to international bodies and organizations, the intransigence of the Zionist regime in preventing the entry of equipment has deprived Palestinians of security and dignity.
Concerns are escalating with the approach of winter, strong winds, and heavy rains, which could exacerbate the situation. Al-Sarraj noted that even though residents have been warned to stay away from dilapidated structures, they lack suitable alternatives for living. The Mayor called for the provision of temporary housing to save lives and ensure access to basic necessities, emphasizing that Palestinians are living human beings deserving of dignified lives. He also requested the import of essential materials for managing hospitals, public utilities, and health facilities, and for meeting the basic needs of the population. Al-Sarraj expressed hope that this incident will serve as a turning point, spurring immediate and swift actions to prevent future catastrophes and save lives.
