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Israeli Strike Devastates Gaza City Hospital, Reports Hamas
An Israeli strike has reportedly ravaged the intensive care and surgical units of a major medical facility in Gaza City, according to claims by Hamas. The attack on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, a crucial hospital in the region, has sparked international concern and further escalated tensions in the ongoing conflict.
Flames Engulf Hospital Aftermath
Video footage circulating online depicted intense flames and thick smoke billowing from Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital following the impact of missiles on a two-story structure. Distressing scenes emerged of individuals, including patients still in their beds, hastily fleeing the hospital grounds in panic and confusion.
Evacuation Warning Preceded Strike
A local journalist on the ground reported that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had contacted a physician at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital prior to the strike, issuing an evacuation notice. This warning allegedly preceded the devastating attack.
Hamas Denounces “Horrific Crime,” Israel Investigates
Hamas has characterized the strike as a “horrific crime” perpetrated by Israel. In response, the Israeli military has stated it is currently investigating these reports to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident at the Gaza hospital.
No Immediate Casualty Reports
As per initial reports from the civil emergency service, there have been no immediate reports of casualties resulting from the attack on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital. However, the extent of potential injuries or harm is still being assessed.
Urgent Evacuation Order Details
The journalist, who was present at the hospital, recounted that an Israeli army officer contacted a doctor in the emergency department, demanding the immediate evacuation of the entire facility. The order was delivered with urgency and a strict time constraint.
- “All patients and displaced people must go out to a safe distance,” the officer reportedly declared.
- “You have only 20 minutes to leave.”
Desperate Flight Amid Darkness
Social media footage captured the chaotic scenes of staff and patients evacuating the building while it was still dark. The abrupt evacuation in the pre-dawn hours added to the distress and urgency of the situation at the Gaza City hospital.
Sheltering Civilians Forced to Flee
Numerous Palestinians, including vulnerable groups like women and children, were also observed fleeing a courtyard within the hospital compound. They had sought refuge in the medical facility, believing it to be a safe haven amidst the ongoing conflict, only to be displaced again by the strike.
Al-Ahli Remains Only Functioning Gaza City Hospital
Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, originally a smaller medical facility, has become the sole operational hospital within Gaza City. This follows the destruction of the Al-Shifa medical complex and other hospitals situated in the northern regions of the Gaza Strip, highlighting the critical strain on remaining medical resources.
Hamas Government Condemns Hospital Attack
The Hamas-led government media office released a statement unequivocally condemning the attack. They asserted that Israel “is committing an egregious act by targeting Al-Ahli Hospital, which shelters hundreds of patients and medical personnel,” emphasizing the severity of the incident.
Prior Attack on Al-Ahli in October 2023
Notably, Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital was also the site of a previous attack in October 2023, an incident that resulted in the deaths of hundreds. This earlier event remains a point of contention and heightened sensitivity in the region.
Conflicting Accounts of 2023 Blast
In the 2023 incident, Palestinian officials attributed the blast to an Israeli strike. However, Israel contended that the blast originated from a misfired rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which subsequently denied any responsibility. The cause of the prior attack remains disputed.
Background to Current Conflict
The Israeli military initiated a campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas following an unprecedented cross-border attack on 7 October 2023. In that initial assault, approximately 1,200 Israelis lost their lives and 251 individuals were taken hostage, triggering the ongoing military offensive.
Gaza Casualty Figures Mount
Tragically, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that over 50,933 people have been killed in Gaza since the commencement of the conflict. The devastating toll underscores the immense human cost of the ongoing hostilities.
Recent Surge in Fatalities
The ministry further stated that 1,563 of these fatalities have occurred since 18 March, coinciding with Israel’s renewed offensive in the Gaza Strip. This recent escalation highlights a concerning increase in casualties amidst the protracted conflict.