Synopsis
An Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza has led to the facility's closure, significantly impacting medical operations. The strike targeted alleged Hamas activities within the hospital, resulting in severe damage and casualties during evacuation efforts amidst ongoing conflict.Key Takeaways
- The Al-Ahli Arab Hospital was severely damaged by an Israeli airstrike.
- The military claimed it targeted a Hamas command center.
- Evacuations were chaotic, with reports of casualties.
- Health authorities call for international protection of medical facilities.
- The Palestinian death toll has risen significantly since October 7, 2023.
Gaza/Jerusalem, April 13 (NationPress) An Israeli airstrike struck the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday morning, damaging vital medical infrastructure and leading to the facility's closure, as reported by Palestinian medical sources and witnesses.
The Israeli military stated that the strike aimed at "a Hamas command and control centre" situated within the hospital compound, according to Xinhua news agency.
In a joint declaration, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) reported that Hamas operatives had been utilizing the facility to coordinate attacks.
An anonymous medical staff member informed Xinhua that the Israeli military issued an evacuation alert shortly before the strike.
The attack impacted the hospital's surgical operations department and an oxygen generation unit, causing significant damage to several sections of the facility.
"Both targeted departments have been destroyed, and the hospital is now unable to function," the staff member stated, noting that the facility had been providing shelter to patients, injured civilians, and hundreds of displaced individuals prior to the strike.
Munir al-Barsh, director general of Health Services in Gaza, described a chaotic evacuation carried out under constant bombardment.
He mentioned that a child being moved from the premises lost their life during the process.
Witnesses indicated that the evacuation occurred amid smoke, flames, and falling debris.
The Israeli military claimed it used precision-guided munitions and conducted aerial surveillance prior to the strike to mitigate risks to civilians and medical personnel.
It also asserted that prior warnings had been issued in the vicinity.
The Hamas-run government media office in Gaza condemned the attack, labeling it a "war crime" and accusing Israel and the US of complicity.
They asserted that the strike is part of a larger campaign against Gaza's healthcare system.
Local health authorities appealed to international organizations to protect medical facilities and personnel.
Additionally, health authorities in Gaza reported that the Palestinian death toll since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, has reached 50,944, with 116,156 injured.
They noted 11 fatalities and 111 injuries in the last 24 hours, adding that rescue efforts are still hindered by ongoing hostilities.
