Gaza hospitals targeted in new Israeli attacks: Officials
Gaza officials reported that Israel launched air strikes on or near at least three hospitals on Friday, further straining the health system amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The Ministry of Health spokesman, Ashraf Al-Qidra, stated that Israel targeted the courtyard of Al Shifa, Gaza City’s largest hospital, as reported by Reuters.
Israel has alleged that Hamas has hidden command centres and tunnels beneath Al Shifa, although Hamas denies these allegations while Israel’s military did not immediately comment on these reports.
Gaza’s hospitals have been struggling due to a month-long Israeli military campaign, resulting in shortages of medical supplies, clean water, and fuel to power generators. Many hospitals and health centres are either damaged from bombardment or lack fuel to operate.
Palestinian media released unverified video footage of an attack on a parking lot near Al Shifa, where displaced Palestinians were sheltering. The footage showed casualties, including a man being placed on a stretcher.
Hospitals like Al-Rantisi Pediatric Hospital and Al-Nasr Children’s Hospital have reportedly faced direct attacks and bombardments, according to Ashraf Al-Qidra.
Israel alleges that Hamas uses hospitals like Al Shifa to hide command posts and entry points to tunnels. Israel maintains it does not target civilians and has allowed some wounded Palestinian civilians to cross into Egypt for treatment.
The conflict has led to a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with a significant loss of life, displacement of civilians, and concerns about the interpretation of international laws regarding the protection of medical centres and displaced people.
International voices, including US President Joe Biden, have called for adherence to international law, while Israel has announced limited pauses in military operations in some areas of north Gaza.
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