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Heavy machinery assists Civil Defence workers searching for people trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in Gaza City -- Photo: Reuters

Gaza: At least 21 Palestinians have been killed after a war damaged residential building collapsed in Gaza City, while rescue teams searched the rubble for survivors and people believed to remain trapped.

The six storey building in the Al-Sinaa area of western Gaza City collapsed early Wednesday after previously sustaining damage during the war. Gaza health officials reported at least 21 deaths and 14 injuries.

The building was being used as shelter by displaced Palestinian families whose homes had been damaged or destroyed. The United Nations said roughly 100 people, including about 50 children, were living in the building when it collapsed.

Rescue teams search rubble

Civil Defence teams and residents searched through the debris for survivors, with rescuers initially having limited access to heavy equipment. Reports said people could still be heard beneath the rubble during the rescue operation.

The collapse also highlighted the dangers faced by displaced families living in damaged buildings across Gaza. The UN humanitarian coordinator said hundreds of damaged structures across the territory have been assessed as unsafe, while many families have few alternatives for shelter.

UN calls for safer shelter

The UN said Egypt had provided heavy machinery to support the rescue operation, while the United Arab Emirates and Qatar were preparing to provide relief supplies. The humanitarian community also called for additional machinery, specialist equipment, fuel and other supplies needed for rescue efforts.

The incident has renewed concerns over the condition of Gaza’s damaged buildings, where large numbers of displaced people continue to seek shelter. The UN said the tragedy underscored the urgent need to provide safer alternatives for families living in unsafe structures.