Two Israeli missiles struck the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza on Sunday, causing significant damage to the facility and leaving patients stranded in the streets. Despite a warning from someone identifying as Israeli security, the hospital’s emergency department was put out of action, and other parts of the building, including a two-story genetic lab and pharmacy, were also destroyed. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted Hamas militants allegedly using the hospital for planning attacks, a claim Hamas denied. While no casualties were reported from the attack itself, the hospital’s destruction severely impacted Gaza’s healthcare system, which is already under strain due to ongoing conflict.
Evacuation of Patients Amid Crisis
Health officials in Gaza were forced to evacuate hundreds of patients from the hospital in the middle of the night after receiving the warning call. The evacuation left many vulnerable patients on the streets without access to medical care, exacerbating the already dire situation. Gaza’s health ministry spokesperson, Khalil Al-Deqran, highlighted the grave risks posed to these patients, many of whom had been receiving critical care. With the hospital no longer operational, the damage to Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure becomes a crucial concern for both residents and medical staff.
Hamas and International Reactions
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation. Hamas rejected Israel’s claims and called for an international investigation into the strike, which they believe was part of a broader effort to target civilian infrastructure. The Episcopal Church, which runs the hospital, also condemned the strike, urging global governments to intervene and stop attacks on medical institutions. The Palestinian foreign ministry echoed these sentiments, accusing Israel of deliberately destroying Gaza’s healthcare system.
The strike on the hospital, Israel carried out other attacks in Gaza on Sunday, killing at least 30 Palestinians, including the head of a police station in Khan Younis. Further strikes targeted militant activity, with Israeli forces destroying an underground tunnel used by militants in northern Gaza. This ongoing conflict, which began after the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, has led to significant casualties on both sides and left much of Gaza in ruins, with over 50,000 Palestinians reportedly killed. The war continues to have devastating effects on civilians, further highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.
