Israel’s military has targeted hospitals in Gaza, including the largest medical complex, resulting in multiple casualties and displacements, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-governed enclave. The al-Shifa Hospital complex, where thousands of displaced Palestinians seek shelter, was struck by Israel’s military, with the aim of rendering it inoperable and displacing the people taking refuge there, as well as patients and medical staff, stated Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra.
While Israel claims that Hamas operates a command center at the hospital site, including entrances to its tunnel network, both Hamas and hospital officials deny these allegations. The latest strikes on the hospital have not been immediately commented on by Israeli officials. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, director general of al-Shifa Hospital, reported that the strike hit civilians near a group of journalists in the yard, resulting in multiple injuries, including two critically wounded individuals. Abu Salmiya warned that the situation could have turned into a massacre due to the high number of people present at the complex.
Al-Qudra also revealed that two children’s hospitals, Al-Rantisi and Al-Nasr, were targeted by direct attacks and bombardments on the same day. The constant explosions near the medical facility have left medics, patients, and displaced people living in fear and anxiety. The attack on al-Shifa is the latest in a series of reported strikes on or near the hospital in recent days.
Human Rights Watch’s Israel and Palestine director, Omar Shakir, emphasized the importance of protecting medical facilities, stating that “no area is a free-fire zone.” Despite Israeli military officials releasing evidence alleging that Hamas is using the hospital to plan operations and hide its fighters, Hamas, health authorities, and al-Shifa Hospital officials deny these claims. The Israeli military has repeatedly ordered the hospital to evacuate in recent weeks, drawing condemnation from humanitarian groups who argue that medical facilities should be spared from the conflict.
The ongoing attacks on Gaza hospitals have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of civilians and the accessibility of medical care in the region. It is crucial for international organizations and governments to work towards a peaceful resolution that ensures the protection of medical facilities and the provision of necessary healthcare services for all those affected by the conflict.
