The Aporia
The Aporia
Brennan, D., & Winsor, M. (2026, September 17). Gaza building collapse death toll rises to 21, officials say. ABC News (US). https://abcnews.com/International/gaza-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-21-officials/story?id=136519904
Brennan, David, and Morgan Winsor. “Gaza building collapse death toll rises to 21, officials say.” ABC News (US), 17 Sept. 2026, https://abcnews.com/International/gaza-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-21-officials/story?id=136519904.
Brennan, David, and Morgan Winsor. “Gaza building collapse death toll rises to 21, officials say.” ABC News (US), September 17, 2026. https://abcnews.com/International/gaza-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-21-officials/story?id=136519904.
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On September 16, 2023, a seven-story building collapsed in Gaza City, killing at least 21 people including 12 children. The collapse occurred due to structural damage sustained from earlier Israeli airstrikes. Rescuers found dozens more trapped under the rubble and managed to save around 45 individuals; however, nearly 60 people were still missing as of Wednesday afternoon. The building had housed over 110 displaced Palestinians seeking shelter after the conflict.
Rescue efforts continued for two days until they were halted on Thursday when officials declared no more survivors could be found. Families living in similar war-damaged buildings face dire choices, often opting to stay despite significant risks due to lack of alternative housing and resources. The collapse highlights ongoing perilous conditions and stalled reconstruction efforts nearly a year after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended major fighting.
The incident underscores severe challenges facing Gaza's population, with tens of thousands living in roughly 2,000 damaged buildings at risk of collapsing during harsh winter weather expected soon.
