Six-story Gaza building collapses, killing at least 21 including eight children

A six-story residential building collapsed in Gaza City, killing at least 20–21 people including eight children and trapping approximately 100 others in rubble. Rescue operations were severely limited by shortages of heavy equipment. The incident reflects broader infrastructure damage across Gaza: UN estimates indicate approximately 80% of structures have been damaged or destroyed since October 2023, with roughly 1.9 million Palestinians (90% of the territory's population) displaced. About 400 other war-damaged buildings across Gaza are assessed to face imminent collapse risk, particularly as winter approaches. Ongoing disputes concern Israeli restrictions on heavy machinery entry; Hamas attributes equipment shortages to Israeli policy, while Israel cites dual-use goods concerns. The collapse underscores the intersection of infrastructure damage and acute shelter shortages.