Sand embankment collapse kills four in central Gaza
A sand embankment collapsed onto tents south of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on 8 Nov 2026, killing a woman and three children, according to medics. Six others were injured. Local authorities said at least 70,000 tents were flooded in the first hours after heavy rain began on 7 Nov. Humanitarian partners received appeals from more than 26,000 households reporting damage to shelters or belongings. Reuters verified video of residents digging with hammers and shovels to reach people trapped under the sand.
Key facts
- The victims were aged 8, 6 and 4, according to medics.
- Hamas-run government media office said dozens of cracked walls and roofs collapsed across Gaza, causing injuries.
- A fragile ceasefire took effect in Gaza on 10 Oct 2025 after two years of war.
Summarised with AI from 5 sources · Updated 01:10Read our AI policy
Why it matters
Most of Gaza's two million residents live in tents or damaged buildings, leaving them exposed to flooding.
What changed
Summary updated
First published from Middle East Eye, Hindustan Times, Anadolu Agency, Euronews and BBC News