Rescue efforts end after 21 die in collapse of bomb-damaged building in Gaza; 45 saved from rubble

AI Summary

Rescue efforts in Gaza concluded after a bomb-damaged building collapsed, resulting in 21 deaths and 45 people rescued from the rubble. Reconstruction in Gaza remains stalled nearly a year following a ceasefire, with most buildings severely damaged or destroyed due to Israeli airstrikes and bulldozing.

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dawoud Abu Alkas CAIRO/GAZA, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Gaza rescuers wrapped up searches on Thursday in the rubble of a bomb-damaged building that collapsed a day earlier, where 21 people were killed and 45 rescued from under the rubble, a Palestinian official said. Nearly a year since a ceasefire ended major fighting in Gaza, reconstruction of the devastated territory has yet to begin. Most buildings were completely destroyed by Israeli airstrikes or bulldozed by Israeli forces, and nearly all of the rest have suffered damage.