At least 20 people, including children, have been killed after a heavily damaged building collapsed in Gaza City, while rescue teams continue searching through the rubble for survivors and missing residents. The collapse occurred during the night when several families were reportedly inside the building. Local rescue workers have been working through the debris, initially relying heavily on manual efforts before additional equipment arrived. Families Were Living Inside Damaged Building The building had reportedly been damaged during the conflict and was considered unsafe. Despite the danger, families had continued to use the structure because of the severe shortage of safe accommodation and shelters in the area. Reports from the scene indicated that around 10 families, including children, had been staying inside when the building suddenly collapsed. The disaster highlights the dangers facing people who have been displaced and have few safe places to stay. Rescue Teams Search for Missing People Emergency responders began searching the rubble after the collapse. In the early stages of the rescue operation, workers reportedly used their hands to remove debris while attempting to reach trapped residents. Heavy lifting equipment was later brought to the site, allowing rescue workers to continue clearing larger sections of the collapsed structure. Several survivors were reportedly brought out, while the search continued for people believed to remain underneath the rubble. Local medical facilities have also been dealing with people injured in the collapse. Building Had Previously Sustained Major Damage The structure was reportedly damaged during an Israeli strike more than a year earlier. A large crack had reportedly appeared in the building, raising concerns about its structural stability. However, the precise circumstances that triggered the final collapse were not immediately established in the information available from the scene. Because the collapse happened during the night, many of the residents were asleep when the structure came down, increasing the risk of casualties. Hundreds of Buildings Face Structural Risks The incident has raised wider concerns about buildings across Gaza that were damaged during the conflict. The source material cited assessments that hundreds of buildings could be at serious risk of collapse, while local civil-defense officials have also described a much larger number of unsafe structures where people continue to live. The possibility of further collapses could become particularly serious during the winter months, when heavy rain and deteriorating weather conditions can place additional pressure on already weakened structures. Displaced Families Face Difficult Living Conditions Large numbers of people in Gaza remain displaced, with many living in temporary shelters or damaged buildings. For families without access to secure accommodation, even a severely damaged structure can appear to offer some protection from rain, cold and harsh weather. Humanitarian conditions remain extremely difficult. Poverty has made it challenging for many families to obtain basic necessities even when food is available in local markets. Some households continue to depend on humanitarian assistance and charitable support. Limited Equipment Creates Additional Challenges Rescue operations can become particularly difficult in areas where heavy machinery and emergency infrastructure are limited. Collapsed concrete structures require specialized equipment to safely remove debris and reach people who may be trapped underneath. The response to this collapse involved additional lifting equipment, but the situation demonstrates the broader logistical challenges facing emergency services in Gaza. Every hour can be critical during a search-and-rescue operation, particularly when survivors may be trapped beneath unstable debris. Winter Raises Further Concerns The approach of colder and wetter weather is creating additional concerns for displaced families. People living in tents face exposure to rain and cold, while those staying inside damaged buildings may face the risk of structural failure. Humanitarian officials have warned that deteriorating weather could make already difficult living conditions even more dangerous. The latest building collapse therefore represents more than an isolated disaster. It highlights the continuing risks faced by families living among damaged infrastructure after prolonged conflict. As rescue workers continue searching for missing people, concerns remain that other weakened buildings could suffer similar collapses if they are not assessed, secured or replaced.