Gaza Residential Building Fire Kills 21

Photo: AFP [via Al Jazeera]

The Facts

  • On Thursday, a fire erupted during birthday celebrations in a Gaza apartment, spreading quickly through the four-story building in Jabalia refugee camp. At least 21 people were killed, including many children, and several others were injured.

  • An initial investigation revealed that large amounts of gasoline had been stored at the site. No one inside the residence survived.


The Spin

Pro-Palestine narrative

Israel is responsible for this tragedy due to its inhumane 15-year blockade of Gaza. The blockade affected the speed at which firefighters could battle the fire, as there are restrictions or bans for bringing equipment and machinery. This was an avoidable catastrophe.

Pro-Israel narrative

Israel has expressed its sympathy for the serious disaster and immediately offered to support Palestinians in the humanitarian evacuation. This is a tragic event, and Israel will provide life-saving medical aid to Gaza residents.

Narrative C

Due to the geopolitical situation in Gaza, local civil defense services aren't adequately equipped to tackle such emergencies effectively. Both Israel and Palestinian authorities need to work together to prioritize public safety when these incidents occur.


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