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Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Hospital: Military Claims Hamas Command Center Targeted
Gaza City – The Israeli military announced Sunday that it had executed an airstrike targeting the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strike aimed at what they described as a Hamas command center allegedly operating within the medical facility.
IDF and Shin Bet Accuse Hamas of Using Hospital for Operations
The IDF, in conjunction with the Shin Bet intelligence agency, asserted that the Islamist group Hamas had been exploiting the hospital grounds to orchestrate and conduct assaults, including actions directed at Israeli civilians.
Precautionary Measures Claimed, Civilian Casualties Avoided
The Israeli military (IDF) communicated that precautionary measures, including early notifications, were implemented to curtail harm to non-combatants. Initial reports indicate no injuries resulted from the incident.
Witness Accounts and Evacuation Timelines
Sources on the ground informed dpa news agency that hospital personnel received directives to evacuate the premises prior to the strike. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that a mere 18 minutes were allotted for this evacuation.
Hospital Damage and Patient Displacement
Reports indicate patients were displaced and waited in cold conditions outside the facility. WAFA further stated that one hospital building suffered destruction and ensuing fires ignited after the airstrike. Al-Ahli Hospital has been a vital medical resource in northern Gaza in recent months.
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Escalation of Military Activities in Gaza
This hospital strike occurred amidst heightened Israeli military operations over the weekend.
Overnight Strikes Across Gaza Strip
A military spokesperson detailed that the Israeli Air Force had engaged over 90 targets across the Gaza Strip in the preceding 48 hours. These targets reportedly included arms depots, militant cells, missile launch locations, and command centers.
Rocket Sirens in Central Israel, Yemen Link
In Israel, rocket alerts sounded in Tel Aviv and across central regions on Sunday evening. The Israeli military stated that a projectile launched from Yemen was apparently intercepted by defense systems.
Houthi Militia Suspected in Rocket Launch
A military spokesman attributed the rocket launch to Yemen’s Houthi militia, supported by Iran, noting their repeated targeting of Israel. Immediate reports confirmed no damage or injuries from this incident.
Gaza Rocket Fire and Retaliatory Plans
Earlier in the day, a rocket originating from the Gaza Strip impacted Israel. Subsequently, the military announced intentions to strike the presumed launch site in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza.
Continued Ground Operations and Evacuation Orders
Ground operations persisted in southern Gaza, notably in the Rafah area and the Morag Corridor. The Israeli military reiterated evacuation warnings to residents of Khan Younis on Sunday, citing imminent attacks and emphasizing the use of “extreme force” against missile launch locations.
Casualties Reported in Deir al-Balah Strike
Concurrently, reports emerged of seven fatalities in an Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. Palestinian medics provided the casualty figures; however, victim identities remain unconfirmed. The Israeli military stated an ongoing investigation into this report.
Resumption of Military Conflict
Israel recommenced military operations in Gaza on March 18, following the breakdown of a two-month ceasefire. The conflict initially erupted on October 7, 2023, with a large-scale assault on Israel by Hamas and allied groups, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of around 250 individuals.
Gaza Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis
Israel’s subsequent campaign in Gaza has, according to the Hamas-run health authority, caused over 50,000 deaths and widespread devastation, producing a significant humanitarian impact.
Concerns Over Civilian Casualties
While casualty figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants, human rights organizations have voiced apprehension regarding the considerable number of women and children among those killed.