- Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital‘s surgery and ICU oxygen units destroyed by Israeli strike.
- IDF claims hospital was used by Hamas for military operations.
- Evacuation warnings issued, but a child reportedly died during the rush.
Early Sunday, an Israeli airstrike struck the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, the last medical facility still operating in the region. The bombing destroyed critical infrastructure, including the surgical building and oxygen supply systems for intensive care.
The Israel Defense Forces stated the hospital was targeted due to alleged Hamas activity within its premises, accusing the group of using medical facilities as command centers.
Strike on Gaza Hospital Escalates Humanitarian Crisis
The Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, also known as the Ahli Arab or Baptist Hospital, served as Gaza City’s final functioning medical facility after months of bombardment in the region. Its destruction leaves northern Gaza with even fewer options for emergency medical care, worsening the already dire humanitarian situation.
International humanitarian law protects hospitals from military attacks, but the Israel-Hamas conflict has seen repeated strikes on medical infrastructure. This incident has sparked renewed concerns among human rights organizations and international observers regarding the targeting of civilian sites.
Israel maintains that Hamas has embedded its operations within civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. The IDF stated that intelligence indicated the hospital was being used as a command and control center by the militant group, justifying the military action.
Despite prior warnings, the rapid evacuation of patients, injured civilians, and medical staff created chaos. According to local health officials, one child died due to the inability to provide urgent care during the rushed exit, highlighting the vulnerability of patients during military operations in civilian zones.
The destruction of Gaza City’s last operational hospital marks a critical escalation in the humanitarian toll of the conflict, further limiting access to essential medical care for civilians.
“Even war has rules.” — International Committee of the Red Cross
This quote underscores the ethical boundaries in conflict, especially concerning protected sites like hospitals.
