Death Toll From Gaza Building Collapse Rises Sharply to 66

The recent escalation began on September 13 when Israeli airstrikes targeted a vehicle in the Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. Reports from medical staff confirmed at least two deaths and more than a dozen injuries in this initial attack.

Shortly after, more strikes hit other parts of Gaza, including Khan Younis and residential areas. Palestinian health officials warned that the violence was intensifying and that more civilian casualties were likely.

On September 13, Israeli airstrikes killed two people in Gaza City and wounded at least 13 others. The attacks continued into the following days, spreading to other neighborhoods and camps, with casualties mounting among civilians, including children and a pregnant woman.

By September 14, more strikes were reported, including an attack near Khan Younis that killed another Palestinian and left several injured. Makeshift camps and tents were also hit, resulting in further deaths, including that of an eight-year-old girl.

On September 15, strikes persisted despite international calls for restraint. There were reports of more injuries and deaths, as well as the destruction of tents sheltering displaced families.

The most devastating incident occurred on September 16 when a residential building in western Gaza City, already damaged by earlier bombardments, collapsed during the night. Local authorities said the building housed about 100 displaced people. At least 12 people died, including children, and dozens remained trapped under the rubble. Rescue efforts have been hampered by equipment shortages and the scale of the destruction.

Rescue operations are still underway at the collapsed building site in Gaza City, where many families remain trapped. The confirmed death toll from the collapse stands at at least 12, but officials fear it will rise as more victims are found.

Israeli airstrikes continue to target various locations in Gaza, contributing to ongoing instability and civilian casualties. Hospitals and emergency services are overwhelmed by the number of wounded and the scale of the destruction.

The immediate focus is on rescue efforts and whether more survivors can be pulled from the rubble. There are also concerns about the safety of other damaged buildings in Gaza, with officials warning that thousands of structures are at risk of collapse if strikes continue.