Hospital in Gaza Hit by Israeli Military Strike
In a recent military action, Israel targeted the largest hospital in southern Gaza, leading to one fatality and several injuries, as reported by the region’s Health Ministry. The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, resulted in a significant fire at the facility.
The surgical building of Khan Younis’ Nasser Hospital was the focus of the strike. This attack follows a recent surge in violence, with the hospital already overwhelmed by casualties from Israel’s renewed offensive in Gaza.
Israel’s military has acknowledged the strike, attributing it to a Hamas militant reportedly operating from the hospital. The military holds Hamas responsible for civilian casualties, citing the group’s operations within densely populated areas.
According to the Health Ministry, over 50,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. Israeli military operations have reportedly “eliminated” numerous militants since the recent ceasefire ended, marking some of the deadliest days within the 17-month conflict.
Mass Displacement Amidst Conflict
Amidst ongoing hostilities, the Israeli military has ordered evacuations from the heavily damaged Tel al-Sultan neighborhood in Rafah. Thousands of Palestinians have been forced to relocate to squalid tent camps in Muwasi, joining over 2 million displaced individuals within Gaza.
Journalist Mustafa Gaber described the conditions as “displacement under fire,” with ongoing tank and drone fire. Others, like Amal Nassar, expressed the dire situation faced by many, citing the dangers from shelling and gunfire.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported losing contact with a team of responders in Rafah, with some members reportedly injured.
Political Unrest in Israel
Political tensions in Israel are escalating. Public dissent against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu grows as his government expresses no confidence in the attorney general, considered a restraint on coalition power. Protests have emerged, with police arresting several demonstrators.
Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns
Reports from hospitals in southern Gaza indicate a rise in casualties, with an additional 24 bodies received overnight, including women and children. The Health Ministry reports a total of 50,021 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began.
Dr. Munir al-Boursh highlighted the high toll on children, with 15,613 young lives lost, including 872 infants. While the ministry’s figures include both civilians and combatants, it notes that women and children account for more than half of the fatalities.
Ceasefire Collapse and Settlement Expansion
The ceasefire, initially established in January, has broken down amid renewed fighting. The agreement had paused over a year of conflict triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023. Although many hostages have been released, negotiations for a lasting ceasefire have stalled.
In the West Bank, Israel’s government has approved the creation of 13 new settlements. This move, announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, brings the total number of settlements to 140, a development criticized by international observers.
For further updates, follow the ongoing coverage at AP’s Israel-Hamas war hub.
