The Israeli military has pounded the Gaza Strip again, killing dozens of people, mainly in the north, and again attacking the last partially functioning hospital in the area. At least 33 people were killed in air strikes across the enclave, including 20 in the northern town of Beit Lahiya, four in Gaza City, six in central areas, and three in southern Khan Younis, according to Al Jazeera Arabic sources and the Wafa news agency.
Nurse Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the north of the Palestinian territory reported that the Israeli jets, and the quad-copter drones have hit the children’s ward of the medical facility leaving medics, patients including newborn babies. Sabbah added that reporters, nurses, and the remaining medical personnel were also attacked, this being the second day when the hospital became a target of the Israel guns.
One week ahead, Israel attacked Kamal Adwan Hospital and imprisoned dozens, leaving most medical staff behind. “only four doctors are left here and 50 volunteers among the medical workers to the nurses,” a nurse stated.
Throughout this past month, waves of attacks have been witnessed in Beit Lahiya, Jabalia, and Beit Hanoon as the Israeli army has intensified its air and ground actions in the north. Tens of thousands of civilians are still in the north and fear sniper attacks, danger in “safe zones,” or being barred from returning home, even despite Israeli-enforced displacement orders.
According to the Israeli military, their target is to prevent Hamas from reconstituting forces. Its tactics have blockaded several neighborhoods in the north, squeezing through what little aid is now allowed to enter. Israel allowed a daily average of 30 humanitarian trucks to enter Gaza in October, barely 6% of what was allowed into the Strip before the war, according to Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).
Israel has officially informed the UN that it is canceling its agreement with UNRWA, alleging some of its staff workers were Hamas fighters who participated in the October 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel. The agency said the Israeli decision would result in the “collapse” of aid in Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to “significantly expand and maintain humanitarian assistance – food, medicine, and other essential items – to all Gaza civilians.” The spokesman of the US Department of State, Matthew Miller, said the actions from Israel were not sufficient enough, and they warned that consequences will come the way of Israel if these changes do not take place.
At least 43,374 Palestinian deaths and 102,261 injuries have resulted since October 7, 2023, in this conflict. Additionally, the toll includes 1,139 Israeli deaths and over 200 captives.