Despite increasing international calls for a ceasefire, Israel persists in targeting Gaza’s health facilities and residential neighborhoods.
Israeli air raids on Sunday and Monday focused on hospitals and civilian areas, leading to a surge in demands for a halt to the violence in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Reports indicate mass casualties resulting from strikes on the Jabalia and Nuseirat refugee camps. Israeli artillery shelling targeted multiple residences in the Shujayea, Tuffah, and Daraj neighborhoods in Gaza City.
Alarming incidents include continuous shooting at the entrance to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where at least 26 Palestinians were reported killed in an earlier attack.
The Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis has been repeatedly targeted, with a tank shell hitting the maternity building, resulting in the death of a 13-year-old girl, Dina Abu Mehsen.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health condemned Israel for attempting to “eliminate” the health sector in the besieged enclave.
The spokesperson stated that targeting the Nasser Medical Complex is part of Israel’s strategy to dismantle the health system in southern Gaza.
The Gaza war, initiated by attacks from Hamas on October 7, has led to a significant loss of life. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 18,800 casualties, predominantly women and children, during Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
The World Health Organization described the situation at al-Shifa Hospital as a “bloodbath,” highlighting the dire conditions and the constant influx of injured patients.
Israeli forces previously occupied al-Shifa Hospital during the conflict, leading to its compromised capacity to provide adequate medical care.
Dr. Rana Hajjeh from WHO’s Cairo office expressed concerns about the horrific scenes witnessed at the hospital, emphasizing the lack of beds, pain medication, and proper care for the patients.
Displaced individuals facing a severe shortage of water and food are seeking refuge in the hospital building and grounds.
Israeli actions at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza raised additional concerns, with reports of dozens killed and medical staff evacuated to the hospital grounds.
The World Health Organization is urgently gathering information on the situation, expressing worries about the hospital’s status. Only a few hospitals in north Gaza remain partially operational, exacerbating the already challenging healthcare situation.
Israeli raids on the Jabalia refugee camp and the Nuseirat refugee camp resulted in significant casualties, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
Strikes and raids were reported to continue on Monday, maintaining the precarious conditions in Gaza.
