A BUILDING damaged by Israeli strikes collapsed suddenly in Gaza City, killing at least 21 people in their sleep, including 11 children.

The collapse of the building, on Wednesday, which was known to be unstable from strikes earlier in the war, underscored how perilous living conditions have become for most of the Palestinian enclave’s population as a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas stalls.

No reconstruction work has happened since the ceasefire was agreed to almost a year ago. Israel has said that it would not permit any rebuilding until Hamas disarms, and only a handful of excavators have been allowed into Gaza.

Asked if it would allow machinery in to help with the collapse, Cogat, the Israeli military body charged with co-ordinating aid to the Gaza Strip, said the Israeli government’s policy is that heavy machinery is allowed into Gaza.

The death toll included 11 children and five women, according to Zaher al-Wahidi, a spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry.

He said at least 14 people were also injured.

Around six displaced Palestinian families had sheltered there, despite knowing the structure was on the brink of collapse, according to Gaza’s civil defence.

“The lack of options and alternatives left them with no other choice,” said Aboud Majdalawi, a civil defence rescuer.