By Burnett Munthali
An Israeli air strike has destroyed part of the last functioning hospital in Gaza City, marking a devastating turn in the ongoing conflict.
The territory’s Hamas-run health ministry confirmed that the strike targeted critical infrastructure, severely impacting the hospital’s operational capacity.
According to eyewitnesses, the intensive care and surgery departments of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital were completely destroyed during the attack.
A video posted online appears to show enormous flames and thick smoke billowing from a two-storey building immediately after it was hit by missiles.
In the chaotic aftermath, people, including patients still in hospital beds, were captured on film as they rushed away from the scene in a desperate bid for safety.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the hospital was being used as a command and control center by Hamas, adding another layer of complexity to the incident.
Gaza’s civil emergency service reported that no casualties were recorded following the air strike, despite the significant structural damage and the urgent conditions within the facility.
The unfolding situation has not only disrupted critical medical services but has also raised concerns over the safety of remaining healthcare infrastructure in the conflict zone.
In the larger context of the conflict, the incident underscores the perilous environment in which civilians and emergency services operate, further complicating efforts to deliver humanitarian aid amid ongoing hostilities.
As the international community reacts to the unfolding events, calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities have intensified, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures for essential services in areas under siege.
