Building collapse in Gaza City kills at least 12 amid restricted rescue access

At least 12 killed as war-damaged building collapses in Gaza City

A multi-storey, war-damaged building in the Tal al-Hawa area of Gaza City collapsed, killing at least 12 people including children and leaving dozens missing, local rescue teams said. Video footage shows rescuers searching through floors crushed together as neighbours and emergency crews look for survivors.

Locals said about 10 families had been living in the apartments despite warnings that the structure was unsafe. The Hamas-run Civil Defence rescue service reported they initially worked without heavy equipment due to strict Israeli limits on machinery entering Gaza, though some heavy machinery was later borrowed to aid the operation.

Separately, Israeli air strikes on Tuesday killed at least five Palestinians, including two children and a Hamas commander, according to health officials and Hamas sources. The Israeli military said it killed a Hamas commander in southern Gaza and another fighter in the north; in both incidents a child was reportedly killed.

The British charity Medical Aid for Palestinians said a patient was killed by an Israeli drone at a health centre it supports in Jabalia in northern Gaza.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Rescue teams continue recovery efforts amid limited access to heavy equipment, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence. Local reports indicate multiple families occupied the damaged building despite prior warnings about its safety. Separate air strikes on the same day resulted in additional civilian and militant fatalities, as reported by health officials, Hamas sources and the Israeli military.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• At least 12 people, including children, were killed when a war-damaged building collapsed in Tal al-Hawa, Gaza City.
• Dozens remain missing as rescue teams search the rubble with borrowed heavy machinery due to restrictions on equipment entry.
• On the same day, Israeli strikes killed at least five Palestinians, including two children and a reported Hamas commander; a patient was also reported killed by a drone at a Jabalia health centre.