Gaza Hospital Targeted in Deadly Air Strike, Resulting in Mass Casualties
In a tragic incident, the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City was hit by a devastating air strike, causing the death of hundreds of people. The hospital, which was sheltering thousands of individuals who had been forcibly displaced by Israel, was reduced to rubble on Tuesday night. Palestinian officials quickly blamed Israel for the attack, with the Palestinian Authority’s health minister going as far as accusing Israel of committing a massacre.
However, Israel countered these allegations by asserting that the blast was caused by a failed rocket launch from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which denied any responsibility for the incident. The conflicting accounts have resulted in a tense situation between Israel and Palestine, exacerbating an already volatile situation in the region.
The Al Ahli Arab Hospital, also known as Mamadani Hospital, distinguishes itself as Gaza’s only independent Christian-led medical facility. The hospital, housing 80 beds, was responsible for conducting approximately 3,500 outpatient visits every month. Its medical staff performed around 300 surgeries and 600 radiology cases each month, significantly contributing to the healthcare needs of the community.
The destruction of this hospital has provoked outrage from international bodies, highlighting the profound impact on both the healthcare system and the spiritual dimension of the community. The Diocese of Jerusalem, the organization overseeing the hospital, condemned the attack as a violation of human decency, urging the international community to condemn such acts and seek retribution.
Founded in 1882, Al Ahli Arab Hospital served as a vital medical institution in the region. Besides offering medical care, the hospital ran a free program for breast cancer detection and provided free medical services and food to neighboring towns and villages. Additionally, the hospital operated mobile clinics that reached different communities across Gaza, addressing specific healthcare needs such as burn injuries, malnourished children, and psychosocial support.
Considering recent events, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that the hospital was among the 20 medical facilities in the northern part of the Gaza Strip that faced evacuation orders from the Israeli military. However, carrying out these orders proved impossible due to the current insecurity, limited ambulances, lack of staff, insufficient bed capacity, and absence of alternative shelter for the displaced individuals.
This tragic incident reignites painful memories of the 2014 war on Gaza, during which the Al Ahli Arab Hospital welcomed family members seeking refuge from Israeli strikes. The hospital provided them with much-needed support, including food and beds. The war inflicted severe burn injuries, with the hospital treating an average of 45 severe cases per day, half of which were children.
As rescue efforts continue, Palestinian ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al Qudra has reported that bodies are still being recovered from the debris. The strike on the hospital comes as the death toll in Gaza rises, with health authorities estimating that at least 3,000 people have died during Israel’s 11-day bombardment, triggered by an unexpected assault launched by Palestinian militants.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community must step up to fulfill its duty of protecting civilians and ensuring that such inhumane acts are not repeated. As tensions persist, the world watches with concern, hoping for a swift resolution and an end to the suffering endured by both Israelis and Palestinians alike.
