• At least six people have died in a building collapse in Tripoli, Lebanon.
• Rescue teams are continuing to search for survivors in the rubble.
• The incident has drawn attention to the country's aging infrastructure and neglect.

At least six people have been killed following the collapse of two adjoining buildings in the Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood of Tripoli, according to Abdel Hamid Karimeh, head of the municipal council. Seven others have sustained injuries as rescue operations are underway, with local residents actively participating in the recovery efforts, using basic equipment to navigate through the debris as emergency services respond to the crisis. President Joseph Aoun has ordered all emergency services to mobilize for rescue operations and to facilitate shelter for displaced residents, according to Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

The tragedy marks the second such incident in weeks and underscores alarming deficiencies in Lebanon's building infrastructure, which have long been exacerbated by political neglect and economic turmoil. Reports indicate various issues, including buildings constructed without appropriate permits and the general degradation of structures due to years of neglect, have led to dangerous living conditions for residents. The economic crisis has constrained individuals' ability to afford essential repairs, further amplifying vulnerability, as stated by South China Morning Post and Los Angeles Times.

This incident has prompted urgent calls for a nationwide evaluation of building safety, as the national syndicate for property owners decries government negligence in ensuring housing security. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the necessity of addressing the humanitarian implications of this catastrophe, urging political figures to support solutions rather than exploiting the tragedy for short-term political gain. He reiterated the government's commitment to assist those affected, including providing housing allowances as needed, as highlighted by Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, and Los Angeles Times.