Gaza siblings pulled from rubble left reeling after pregnant mother’s death

What Happened

A six-storey building known as the Saada building in Gaza City collapsed at approximately 3:30 a.m., resulting in the deaths of 21 people, including 12 children. The structure, which had been previously damaged by Israeli strikes in 2023, was housing at least 70 displaced individuals at the time of the incident. Among the deceased were Islam Azzam, who was seven months pregnant, and her three-year-old son, Rizq. Survivors Abdulrahman Azzam, aged seven, and Ferial Azzam, aged nine, were rescued from the debris by Civil Defence workers after being trapped for several hours.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The collapse highlights the critical lack of safe housing for displaced civilians in Gaza, where infrastructure damaged by ongoing military operations remains structurally unsound. The incident underscores the severe humanitarian risks faced by families forced to choose between hazardous, damaged buildings and makeshift tents during the winter season.

Watch For

Monitor reports on the structural integrity of other damaged buildings in Gaza City and the potential for further collapses as winter weather conditions persist, exacerbating the vulnerability of displaced populations.