Israeli strikes on Gaza hit a hospital and other structures on Sunday, killing at least 21 people, including children, as Israel announced plans to increase its security presence in the narrow coastal strip.
The early strike on Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital was the latest in a series of attacks on the region's largest hospital, which provides critical medical care.
Dr. Fadel Naim, the facility's director, confirmed that the emergency department, pharmacy and adjacent buildings were heavily damaged, resulting in injuries to more than 100 patients and dozens of staff.
One of the patients, a girl, did not survive the evacuation after Israel warned her because medical staff were unable to provide the necessary emergency care, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Israel said the strike targeted a Hamas command-and-control center, but provided no evidence. Hamas denied the allegations.
Al-Ahly Hospital is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which condemned the attack, saying in a statement that it occurred on “Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, the holiest week for Christians.”
Palm Sunday marks Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and worshippers in Gaza marked the event in a church where gilded details and intact walls stood in stark contrast to the many ruins elsewhere.
Associated Press videos showed the collapsed roof of the hospital surrounded by rubble. Health Ministry Director-General Dr. Munir al-Bursh said patients were being carried outside on stretchers and were sleeping in the streets.
“There is nothing safe left in the hospital or anywhere in the Gaza Strip,” said Mohammad Abu Nasser, a wounded man who sat on his bed outside and watched the destruction.
The Health Ministry said the hospital was temporarily closed and patients were transferred to other medical facilities in Gaza.
The charity Medical Aid for Palestinians noted that this was the fifth strike on Al-Ahly since the beginning of the hostilities.
Hospitals have special protection under international law.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
