Escalating Violence in Gaza: Israel’s Strikes Near Hospitals

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has reached a critical juncture, with recent airstrikes by Israeli forces resulting in significant civilian casualties near some of Gaza’s last operational hospitals. The situation has drawn international condemnation and raised urgent humanitarian concerns as the conflict continues to escalate.

Recent Strikes and Casualties

On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 15 individuals outside the al-Shifa hospital, one of Gaza’s primary medical facilities. In a separate incident, four more people lost their lives near the al-Ahli hospital, further compounding the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. These strikes have disrupted essential medical services, leaving many vulnerable patients without care.

The United Nations recently released an inquiry labeling Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. This report specifically highlighted the destruction of the Al Basma IVF centre, which resulted in the loss of 4,000 embryos and 1,000 sperm and egg samples. The UN characterized this act as a deliberate measure aimed at preventing births among the Palestinian population, aligning it with definitions of genocide under the 1948 convention.

International Reactions

The international community has expressed outrage over the ongoing violence. UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer voiced his horror regarding the bombardment of the al-Rantisi hospital, which specializes in treating injured children. He emphasized that facilities caring for vulnerable populations, such as babies in incubators and children on dialysis, should not be subjected to attacks.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) also mourned the loss of one of their own, Hussein Alnajjar, a nurse who succumbed to shrapnel wounds after an Israeli strike near his tent. Alnajjar had been providing medical assistance in Gaza since early 2024, serving communities in Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis.

Conditions in Gaza

Despite Israel designating al-Mawasi in southern Gaza as a “safe zone,” this area has not been spared from violence. Health officials report that the region is lacking essential resources such as water, food, and health services, leading to the spread of disease in overcrowded camps.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly. The UN’s humanitarian office (OCHA) has issued warnings about worsening famine conditions in northern Gaza, where aid convoys have been halted since the Zikim crossing was closed on September 12.

Scale of Destruction

The scale of the bombardment has been described by residents as unprecedented. With tanks, jets, and naval artillery involved, entire neighborhoods have been flattened. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor reported that Israeli forces detonated ten booby-trapped armored vehicles in the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, further intensifying the destruction.

The UN Human Rights Office has condemned the actions as “wanton destruction,” equating them to ethnic cleansing. The systematic targeting of healthcare facilities and personnel has been labeled as “medicide,” a term used to describe the deliberate killing of health workers and the destruction of medical infrastructure in order to eliminate medical care in the enclave.

Civilian Toll and Humanitarian Crisis

The civilian toll continues to rise, with the Health Ministry in Gaza reporting that since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023, at least 65,062 Palestinians have been killed, and 165,697 have been wounded. Thousands more are believed to be trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

On Thursday alone, 83 deaths were reported, with 61 occurring in Gaza City, where Israel has intensified its ground offensive. Displaced residents describe a sense of despair, with one individual, Abed Alaleem Wahdan, stating, “The future feels destroyed – no one knows what to do. The bombing is everywhere, even in the south.”

The situation for families in Gaza is dire, with reports of “direct targeting and killing” occurring both within refugee camps and during attempts to evacuate. The Health Ministry has condemned the strikes as a blatant message of defiance towards the international community.

Among the casualties were a child and his mother, who were killed when their apartment in the Shati refugee camp was bombed. The ongoing violence has left many in Gaza feeling hopeless and trapped.

Conclusion

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The international community faces mounting pressure to respond to the escalating situation and address the urgent needs of those affected by the conflict.

Key Facts

– **Recent Strikes**: At least 15 Palestinians killed outside al-Shifa hospital and four near al-Ahli hospital.
– **UN Inquiry**: Declared Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, citing the destruction of the Al Basma IVF centre.
– **International Reactions**: UK Minister Hamish Falconer and Doctors Without Borders condemned the violence against hospitals and healthcare workers.
– **Casualties**: Since October 2023, at least 65,062 Palestinians have been killed, with 165,697 injured.
– **Humanitarian Crisis**: Conditions in Gaza are deteriorating, with shortages of essential resources and increasing disease outbreaks.

Source: www.aljazeera.com