A six-story building in the Gaza Strip collapsed on Wednesday, September 16, during the night, killing at least 20 people, including five children, and leaving dozens missing. Many of those inside were sheltering in the building and were asleep when the incident occurred. The building had four apartments per floor and had been "directly targeted" during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, according to the Gaza press office. They stated that the targeting "compromised its structural integrity and caused its collapse." Rescue efforts were ongoing as of midday on Wednesday, with teams using limited equipment and rudimentary tools to clear the rubble, according to an AFP journalist. The civil defense, which operates under Hamas, claimed that Israel was preventing the entry of heavy machinery into the Gaza Strip, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. The war in the Gaza Strip has had devastating consequences, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting more than 73,000 Palestinian deaths and 174,000 injured. These figures are considered reliable by the United Nations, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the fighting, with infrastructure and essential services under immense strain. The collapse of the building underscores the dangers faced by those living in areas affected by the conflict. With limited resources and access to aid, rescue operations face significant challenges. As the situation remains volatile, the international community continues to call for a pause in hostilities to allow for humanitarian aid and safe passage for civilians.