An Israeli airstrike on Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Gaza killed four displaced Palestinians and injured over 70, escalating the ongoing genocidal war.
In a devastating escalation of the ongoing genocidal war, an Israeli air attack targeted tents housing displaced Palestinians within the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital complex in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah city. The early Monday morning assault resulted in the deaths of at least four people and critically wounded over 70 others, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue amidst the chaos.
The Attack & Immediate Aftermath
The airstrike occurred in the early hours of Monday, targeting tents set up for displaced Palestinians at the hospital in Deir el-Balah city. The assault led to a massive fire, with rescue workers frantically attempting to save lives amidst the chaos. Video footage from the scene showed rescuers struggling against the flames, which had engulfed the area.
“What happened was that we woke up to smoke, flames, fire and burning pieces falling on the tents from every direction. The explosions terrified us in our tents and outside where we live behind Al-Aqsa Hospital,” recounted Om Ahmad Radi, a survivor, in an interview with Al Jazeera. “The fire trucks couldn’t get here. There were so many burned and charred bodies all over the place. The amount of fire and explosions was enormous. We witnessed one of the most horrible and brutal nights.”
Gaza’s Media Office reported that this was the seventh attack on the hospital grounds this year and the third within a couple of weeks. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud provided further details from Deir el-Balah, stating, “Some 20 to 30 tents were completely destroyed and completely burned down. There were many people inside the tents as the fire spread, who could not be saved.”
The Israeli military, through spokesperson Avichay Adraee, confirmed the airstrike, alleging that the hospital complex was being used as a “command and control centre” by Hamas. However, no evidence was provided to support this claim.
Casualties & Wider Impact
The health sector in Gaza, already overwhelmed and severely damaged, has faced repeated attacks since the genocidal war began. A recent report by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry (CoI) accused Israel of systematically targeting Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure.
On Sunday, Israeli tanks shelled a school in Nuseirat sheltering displaced families, killing at least 22 Palestinians and wounding 80 others. Local health authorities report that the overall death toll since October 7, 2023, has reached 42,227, with 98,464 injuries. This offensive began after a cross-border attack by Hamas.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza condemned the latest strike on Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, labeling it a “direct targeting” of a medical facility and highlighting that most of the victims were women and children. In a statement, the ministry appealed to international and UN institutions to urgently intervene and protect hospitals and health workers from ongoing attacks.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) also condemned the attack, noting that a school in Nuseirat, which was bombed, had been slated to serve as a polio vaccination site. The agency expressed grave concern over the continued targeting of civilian and healthcare facilities.
Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbating, with an estimated 90 percent of its 2.3 million population displaced, many multiple times. In northern Gaza, Israeli forces have besieged Jabalia, claiming it as a stronghold for Hamas fighters. Despite evacuation orders for the entire northern region, including Gaza City, around 400,000 Palestinians remain in the area. Since October 1, no food has entered northern Gaza, according to the UN.
Fares Abu Hamza, an official with Gaza Health Ministry’s emergency service, reported to The Associated Press that many bodies remain uncollected in the north due to ongoing hostilities. “We are unable to reach them,” he said, noting the grim reality of dogs scavenging on remains. Thus, the genocidal war has led to a staggering loss of life and widespread destruction. The international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire, but the violence shows no signs of abating. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with Gaza’s population bearing the brunt of a relentless and brutal campaign.
Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC, Tasnim News Agency
