In a renewed wave of destruction in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes hit al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday morning, severely damaging its emergency unit, main entrance, and vital medical oxygen supplies. The hospital, one of the few still functioning in northern Gaza, was overwhelmed with patients at the time of the attack.
Doctors on the ground reported a chaotic evacuation, with critically ill patients forced onto the streets. At least three people, including a child dependent on oxygen, reportedly died due to the sudden disruption of medical care.
According to Reuters, a man warned the hospital of the impending attack after receiving a call from someone claiming to be an Israeli security officer. Moments later, two missiles struck the hospital compound.
The Government Media Office in Gaza condemned the strike as a “flagrant violation” of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit attacks on medical facilities. It described the bombing of al-Ahli—one of Gaza’s oldest hospitals—as a “heinous” and “terrible” crime.
This is not the first time the hospital has been targeted. In October 2023, an Israeli airstrike killed around 500 people at the same facility, drawing global outrage. The Gaza Media Office has stated that 36 hospitals have been attacked since the war began on October 7, 2023.
In response to the latest strike, the Israeli military claimed the hospital was being used as a Hamas “command and control” center, asserting that precautions were taken to reduce harm to civilians and the facility. However, Israel has yet to provide any concrete evidence supporting these claims.
The Palestinian resistance group Hamas denounced the attack as a “new war crime,” stating that it reflects Israel’s total disregard for humanitarian norms. It also held the United States complicit in enabling such actions through its continued support for Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel has ordered the evacuation of southern Khan Younis and central Nuseirat, warning of imminent attacks “with great force.” On the same day, Israel announced it had encircled Rafah, isolating it from the rest of Gaza.
In retaliation, Hamas reported launching three rockets into Israeli territory, all of which were intercepted by the Israeli air force, with no reported casualties.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community continues to raise concerns over the indiscriminate targeting of civilians and essential infrastructure in Gaza.
