A residential block in Gaza City collapsed on Tuesday, killing at least ten Palestinians and leaving up to 70 people unaccounted for, the Gaza health ministry said.

The six‑storey structure, located in the densely populated al‑Shati district, crumbled after a series of loud explosions were heard in the neighbourhood. Witnesses described a deafening roar followed by a cloud of dust and debris that swallowed the building.

The scene is heartbreaking, with families searching for loved ones amid the rubble.

Rescue crews, including the Palestinian Civil Defence and volunteer medics, arrived within minutes, using hand‑tools and improvised ladders to reach survivors trapped under concrete slabs.

Rescue Operations Intensify

By late afternoon, teams had cleared a portion of the debris, pulling out two injured children and an elderly man who were rushed to Al‑Shifa Hospital. The ministry of health reported that the hospital was already operating at capacity, treating dozens of war‑related casualties.

International aid organisations, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, have dispatched additional medical supplies and specialist search‑and‑rescue equipment to the site, though access remains hampered by ongoing security concerns.

Cause and Context of the Collapse

Local authorities have not yet released an official investigation, but preliminary reports suggest the collapse may be linked to structural damage from repeated airstrikes in the area. The Gaza health ministry noted that the neighbourhood has suffered “extensive destruction” over the past year of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Israel’s military spokesperson declined to comment on the specific incident, reiterating that operations continue to target Hamas infrastructure. Human rights groups, meanwhile, have warned that the dense urban environment and the use of heavy munitions increase the risk of civilian buildings being compromised.

Human Impact and Ongoing Uncertainty

Families of the missing have gathered outside the wreckage, clutching photographs and shouting names in the hope of hearing a response. The Red Crescent has set up a temporary registration centre to document those unaccounted for, urging relatives to report any information.

Officials estimate that up to 70 residents may still be buried beneath the rubble, but the exact number remains unclear as the search continues. The health ministry cautioned that the death toll could rise as more bodies are recovered.

Humanitarian agencies warn that the incident underscores the growing vulnerability of civilians in Gaza, where over half the population lives in structures damaged by years of conflict. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire to allow safe passage for rescue teams and medical aid.

As night falls, rescue workers remain on site, their lights cutting through the dust‑filled air. The next steps will depend on whether the security situation permits a larger influx of international rescue assets.