Palestine alleges Israel’s destruction of medical unit during Gaza hospital raid

The largest hospital in Gaza, Al-Shifa, faced severe damage during an Israeli raid, with the Hamas-run health ministry stating that a medical department was ‘destroyed,’ and two others were damaged. The targeted areas included the radiology service, burns, and dialysis departments, escalating concerns about the well-being of hundreds of patients, staff, and displaced Palestinians seeking refuge within the hospital premises.

As part of a broader campaign to dismantle Hamas in Gaza, Israeli forces advanced their ground offensive, engaging in gun battles and gaining control of a crucial port just a day after the hospital raid. The ground campaign focused not only on Gaza’s governmental structures but also on vital facilities like Al-Shifa Hospital, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Amid the ongoing conflict, the toll of casualties rose, with the health ministry reporting over 11,500 fatalities, including a heart-breaking number of children. Calls for an immediate truce gained momentum as the situation in Gaza deteriorated further. The Israeli military, reporting 51 troop casualties, maintained its operations, declaring “operational control” of the Gaza City port.

As bombardments persisted and gunfire echoed in the besieged Gaza, the Israeli army launched another operation at Al-Shifa, alleging the discovery of weapons in the hospital complex. The hospital’s directors and Hamas vehemently denied these accusations, emphasizing the facility’s role as a shelter for displaced civilians and patients.

Amid international concerns, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, during a visit to Israel, urged the immediate release of hostages while cautioning against escalating tensions. The UN Security Council’s resolution for “extended” pauses in the fighting was dismissed by Israel’s ambassador to the UN as “meaningless,” underscoring the challenges in achieving a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.