Key facts
- At least 66 people were killed and 45 injured when a building collapsed in Gaza City on Wednesday.
- The collapsed building housed displaced Palestinian families.
- The structure was heavily damaged during the Israel-Hamas war and had safety warnings.
- Rescue crews are working to recover more bodies from the debris.
- The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 73,264 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.
At least 66 people were killed and 45 others injured when a multistory building housing displaced Palestinian families collapsed in western Gaza City on Wednesday. Gaza's civil defense reported the latest toll, which is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
The structure had been heavily damaged during the Israel-Hamas war and had safety warnings. Building collapses have become a significant hazard in Gaza, where many structures have been damaged or destroyed by conflict. Displaced families have frequently returned to damaged homes.
While the intensity of fighting has decreased since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took hold last October, Israel has continued to conduct strikes in the territory. Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and a Mideast negotiator, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the ceasefire, linking progress on Gaza's rehabilitation to upcoming Israeli elections.
The conflict began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent offensive in Gaza has led to over 73,264 Palestinian casualties, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.