Scene after deadly Gaza building collapse like earthquake aftermath

Rescue forces described the scene of two collapsed buildings in central Gaza, in an incident in which 21 soldiers were killed, as reminiscent of the aftermath of an earthquake, military sources say.

Large numbers of troops from the IDF’s search and rescue units were deployed to the scene to help with search and rescue efforts.

The military said that troops were destroying structures and Hamas sites, as part of the army’s efforts to establish a buffer zone to allow residents of Israeli border communities to return to their homes, when an RPG was apparently fired toward a tank securing the forces.

The IDF said at the same time there was an explosion in two buildings, likely a result of mines planted by troops to demolish the structures.

Ynet reports that the IDF is expected to appoint a special investigation team to examine the circumstances of the incident in order to prevent its recurrence.