Gaza Blames Israel for Al-Saada Collapse Killing 21

Gaza’s government media office held Israel fully responsible on Monday for the collapse of the Al-Saada residential building. The incident in western Gaza City killed twenty-one Palestinians earlier this week. Officials stated that an Israeli strike in October 2023 caused the structural failure.

The Israeli army had previously denied targeting the structure during the war. It claimed no strikes hit the building in question. Gaza officials rejected this account as a blatant attempt to evade legal responsibility for the disaster and resulting civilian casualties.

According to the office, the building was struck on October 9, 2023. The bombardment targeted foundations and lower floors, causing severe damage. This concentrated attack was identified as the direct cause of the complete collapse that occurred recently in the Al-Sinaa area.

Engineering inspections and resident testimonies contradicted the Israeli denial. The office accused Israel of following a systematic policy of disinformation. It argued that such narratives aim to avoid accountability for massacres and the destruction of civilian infrastructure across the enclave.

Twenty-one people died, including twelve children and five women. Forty-five others were injured during the collapse. Rescue crews recovered bodies after fifteen hours of operations. The Health Ministry noted this raised the total deaths from damaged building collapses to sixty-one.

Authorities warned that thousands of damaged buildings remain at risk. Winter rains may further weaken compromised structures. They called for international assistance and shelter materials. Current shortages force displaced families to stay in unsafe homes despite imminent dangers of collapse.