21 Killed, 45 Rescued After Damaged Gaza Building Collapses

At least 21 people, including eight children, were killed after a building damaged by bombardment collapsed in Gaza a day later. Rescue teams rescued 45 people alive from beneath the rubble, according to Palestinian officials.

Rescue crews completed their search of the collapsed building on Thursday. Bulldozers are now being used to clear the debris and prepare space for tents to shelter displaced residents who had been living in the building.

Gaza Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal said rescue teams managed to pull 45 people from the rubble and take them to hospitals despite a shortage of heavy equipment.

Palestinian and United Nations officials have blamed Israeli restrictions for the lack of heavy machinery in Gaza, while Israel says the restrictions are intended to prevent equipment from reaching armed groups.

Large-scale reconstruction has yet to begin in Gaza following the ceasefire last year. More than two million people remain largely dependent on damaged buildings or temporary tents for shelter.