Israeli Strikes in Gaza Leave Dozens Dead and Building Collapsed
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed over a dozen people, including children and a pregnant woman, and caused a major building collapse that trapped many residents as rescue efforts continue.
By Jonas Weber · First published 16 Sept 2026
In brief
- Israeli airstrikes began on September 13, targeting vehicles and residential areas in Gaza City and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Initial strikes killed at least two people and injured over a dozen others, with casualties including children and a pregnant woman.
- Strikes continued over several days, resulting in at least 10 deaths and dozens more wounded, according to health officials.
- A war-damaged residential building in western Gaza City collapsed on September 16, killing at least 12 people and trapping more under the rubble.
- Emergency crews are still searching for survivors in the collapsed building as the death toll is expected to rise.
Timeline · 7 moments
Israeli airstrike kills two in Gaza City
Arab News ↗Strikes spread and more civilians reported dead
The Guardian ↗Israeli strike kills Palestinian in Khan Younis
Middle East Eye ↗Israeli strikes kill two, including a child, in Gaza
Arab News ↗Civil defense worker and teenager killed in new strikes
New York Times - Middle East ↗Gaza City building collapses, trapping six families
Al Jazeera ↗At least 12 killed in Gaza building collapse
BBC News - Middle East ↗How it started
The recent escalation began on September 13 when Israeli airstrikes targeted a vehicle in the Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. Reports from medical staff confirmed at least two deaths and more than a dozen injuries in this initial attack.
Shortly after, more strikes hit other parts of Gaza, including Khan Younis and residential areas. Palestinian health officials warned that the violence was intensifying and that more civilian casualties were likely.
How it unfolded
On September 13, Israeli airstrikes killed two people in Gaza City and wounded at least 13 others. The attacks continued into the following days, spreading to other neighborhoods and camps, with casualties mounting among civilians, including children and a pregnant woman.
By September 14, more strikes were reported, including an attack near Khan Younis that killed another Palestinian and left several injured. Makeshift camps and tents were also hit, resulting in further deaths, including that of an eight-year-old girl.
On September 15, strikes persisted despite international calls for restraint. There were reports of more injuries and deaths, as well as the destruction of tents sheltering displaced families.
The most devastating incident occurred on September 16 when a residential building in western Gaza City, already damaged by earlier bombardments, collapsed during the night. Local authorities said the building housed about 100 displaced people. At least 12 people died, including children, and dozens remained trapped under the rubble. Rescue efforts have been hampered by equipment shortages and the scale of the destruction.
Where it stands
Rescue operations are still underway at the collapsed building site in Gaza City, where many families remain trapped. The confirmed death toll from the collapse stands at at least 12, but officials fear it will rise as more victims are found.
Israeli airstrikes continue to target various locations in Gaza, contributing to ongoing instability and civilian casualties. Hospitals and emergency services are overwhelmed by the number of wounded and the scale of the destruction.
What to watch
The immediate focus is on rescue efforts and whether more survivors can be pulled from the rubble. There are also concerns about the safety of other damaged buildings in Gaza, with officials warning that thousands of structures are at risk of collapse if strikes continue.


