At least 12 Palestinians, including five children, were killed when a seven‑floor war‑damaged building collapsed overnight in the Tal al‑Hawa district of Gaza City.
Local rescue officials said nearly 100 people are feared trapped under the rubble, with 14 injured.
The building, previously damaged in Israeli strikes, had been used as a shelter by displaced families. Rescue teams struggled to reach survivors due to massive debris and a shortage of heavy machinery, forcing initial efforts to be carried out by hand.
Officials estimate thousands of damaged buildings remain occupied in Gaza, raising fears of further collapses. The UN has warned that more than 61 million tons of debris complicate recovery efforts.
The collapse comes amid reports of ongoing Israeli military operations. Palestinian health authorities said recent strikes killed at least five people, including two children and a Hamas leader. The Israeli military confirmed targeting Hamas fighters in southern and northern Gaza.
South Korean Civil Defence officials have urged residents to avoid damaged structures, but many displaced families continue to live in unsafe shelters due to the lack of alternatives.
