Palestinians are searching through the rubble of a war-damaged apartment building that collapsed in Gaza City, looking for belongings and the remains of relatives.
The seven-storey building collapsed on September 16 while sheltering displaced families. At least 21 people were killed, including eight children, while 45 others were rescued from beneath the rubble, according to Palestinian officials cited by Reuters.
Footage from September 17 shows heavy machinery clearing debris as residents search through the wreckage. Personal belongings, including food and other items, were recovered from the ruins.
Nader al-Ejlah, a survivor who lost relatives in the collapse, described the shock of seeing family members beneath the rubble. He said families had moved into the damaged building because they had nowhere else to go.
The collapse has highlighted the wider danger facing displaced Palestinians living in damaged buildings across Gaza. Rescue teams have also warned that many other structures remain at risk of collapse.
Officials say shortages of heavy machinery are making rescue and debris-clearing operations difficult. The United Nations has warned that many families remain in unsafe buildings because safer shelter is limited.
As residents continue searching through the ruins, the tragedy underscores the severe housing and humanitarian challenges facing Gaza’s displaced population.
