A child has been rescued alive from the rubble of a collapsed residential building in Gaza City, offering a moment of hope amid a desperate search for dozens of people believed to be trapped underneath.
The six-storey Al-Saada building collapsed early on September 16 after having been damaged during the war. Rescue teams and local residents searched through the debris, often using their hands because of a shortage of heavy machinery.
Rescue teams race against time
Footage from the scene showed rescuers pulling children alive from the wreckage, while cries for help could reportedly be heard beneath the concrete. A young girl was among those rescued and was taken away by ambulance after being freed.
Local authorities said the building had been sheltering displaced families despite its weakened condition. With much of Gaza’s housing severely damaged, many families have continued living in unsafe structures because they have few alternatives.
At least 21 people, including children and women, were reported killed in the collapse, while many others were injured. Gaza Civil Defence initially said that nearly 100 people could still be beneath the rubble as rescue operations continued.
Shortage of equipment slows search
Rescuers have faced major difficulties because of limited access to excavators and other specialised equipment. Emergency workers have been forced to dig manually through heavy concrete and twisted debris in their search for survivors.
The collapse has also highlighted the continuing danger posed by damaged buildings across Gaza. Aid agencies have warned that many structures remain unstable, particularly as winter weather approaches.
For families waiting near the ruins, every sound from beneath the rubble has carried the possibility of another survivor. The rescue of the child has offered a brief but powerful reminder that lives can still be saved when rescuers are able to reach those trapped.