At least 21 killed in Gaza Jabalia refugee camp fire

A fire in a building in a densely populated refugee camp has killed at least 21 people – including 10 children. 

Hospital director Dr Salah Abu Laila told the BBC that the death toll is likely to rise. 

The Jabalia refugee camp in one of eight camps in Gaza. 

A local source told the BBC that an initial investigation suggested there was a gas leak from a kitchen. 

Videos online show a huge fire, with the entire building engulfed in flames. 

People were outside screaming and crying, and praying as those trapped inside could not be saved. 

Refugee Camp fires 

The fires are often caused by candles and have become a regular tragedy in Gaza because of severe power shortages. These are linked to the blockade imposed on the territory by Israel and Egypt as a security measure against militants there, and internal Palestinian political disputes. 

Gaza is home to 2.3 million people – one of the highest population densities in the world. 

The UN says there are almost 600,000 refugees in Gaza – living in eight overcrowded camps.