Dozens killed in house fire in Gaza refugee camp

The fire was sparked by gasoline stored in the building, according to preliminary findings, but an investigation is ongoing.

At least 21 people were killed and several injured when a fire erupted at a building where residents were attending a party yesterday in the Gaza Strip, according to health officials.

Reports said the dead included women and children who were at the part in the Jabalia refugee camp. It is unknown how many people were injured in the fire.

Civil defence teams were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent structures.

Ambulances are deployed to the site where a fire that broke out in Jabalia refugee camp, on November 17, 2022 in Gaza City, Gaza. [Ali Jadallah – Anadolu Agency]

A view from the Jabalia refugee camp after a fire broke out leaving at least 21 people killed on November 17, 2022 in Gaza City, Gaza. [Ali Jadallah – Anadolu Agency]

Firefighters and civil defense team intervene the fire that broke out in Jabalia refugee camp, on November 17, 2022 in Gaza City, Gaza. [Ali Jadallah – Anadolu Agency]

The fire was sparked by gasoline stored in the building, according to preliminary findings, but an investigation is ongoing.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that Health Minister Mai Al-Kaila ordered the injured to be moved to West Bank hospitals if necessary.

A statement by Palestinian Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said President Mahmoud Abbas declared a period of national mourning today.

Jabalia is the largest of the Gaza Strip’s eight refugee camps in the Gaza Strip.

Funeral of fire victims at Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, Gaza City on November 18, 2022. [Mohammad Asad/Middle East Monitor]

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