Importance Score: 78 / 100 🔴
Israeli Airstrike Hits Khan Younis Hospital, Casualties Reported
An Israeli air strike on the European Hospital in Khan Younis has reportedly resulted in 28 fatalities and numerous injuries, according to a spokesman for the Hamas-run civil defense agency. The European Hospital strike raises concerns about civilian safety amid ongoing conflict.
Details of the Hospital Strike
Local sources indicate that Israeli warplanes deployed six bombs simultaneously, impacting both the inner courtyard and the surrounding areas of the Gaza hospital. These reports detail:
- Multiple explosions within the hospital grounds.
- Significant damage to buildings and vehicles.
- Hindrance of initial rescue operations.
IDF Statement: “Precise Strike” Targeting Hamas
The Israeli military stated it conducted a “precise strike” targeting “Hamas operatives in a command and control center” allegedly located beneath the medical facility. This assertion is part of a longstanding Israeli allegation that Hamas uses hospitals for their operations, a claim the organization denies.
Casualties and Impact
Injuries and Rescue Efforts
- A freelance journalist employed by the BBC in Gaza sustained injuries in the air strike. The journalist is now in stable condition after receiving treatment.
- The strike caused deep craters on the hospital grounds, burying vehicles, including a portion of a large bus.
- Eyewitness accounts suggest Israeli drones maintained aerial surveillance over the site, impeding rescue teams’ access.
- A quadcopter drone reportedly injured two civil defense officers while they attempted to reach the European Hospital.
Transfer of the Wounded
Local sources confirmed the deceased and injured individuals were transported to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where medical teams are facing challenges in managing the influx of casualties.
Additional Strike at Nasser Hospital
Reports indicate that the emergency department of Nasser Hospital was also hit by a separate strike earlier on Tuesday. Medical sources and eyewitnesses revealed that among the fatalities was a well-known Palestinian photojournalist.
Targeting of Hassan Aslih
Hassan Aslih, a Palestinian photojournalist who was receiving treatment for previous injuries sustained in an earlier Israeli strike, was reportedly targeted in what witnesses described as a drone attack on the hospital’s surgical wing. A doctor confirmed Aslih had been at the hospital for nearly a month following an air strike on the same facility in April. The Israeli military had previously accused Aslih of involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The earlier strike claimed the life of Aslih’s colleague, Helmi al-Faqawi, and injured several other journalists.
Allegations and Responses
In a joint statement, the IDF and the Israeli Securities Authority (ISA) stated that Hamas “continues” to utilize hospitals in Gaza for its activities. Israeli media outlets reported that the target of the strike was Mohammed Sinwar, the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, a former Hamas leader in Gaza. Hamas has not yet issued a statement regarding these reports.
Background on Mohammed Sinwar
Mohammed Sinwar is believed to have assumed command of the group’s military wing after the reported death of Mohammed Deif in an Israeli strike last summer.
Rocket Interception
Separately, on Tuesday evening, the Israeli army reported intercepting “two projectiles” launched from Gaza.