An Israeli airstrike early Sunday caused significant damage to Gaza’s Al-Ahli Hospital, one of the few medical facilities still functioning in the region. The Israeli military said the strike targeted a Hamas “command and control centre” allegedly operating within the hospital.
“The bombing led to the destruction of the surgery building and the oxygen generation station for the intensive care units,” Gaza’s civil defence agency reported, adding the attack occurred “minutes after the army’s warning to evacuate.”
No casualties were reported from the hospital strike, though AFP images showed extensive destruction. The blast left a large crater, scattered debris, and damaged a media vehicle from Iraq’s Aletejah TV.
Patients and civilians were forced to flee the hospital. “Just as we reached the hospital gate, they bombed it. It was a massive explosion,” said Naela Imad, 42. “The hospital was our last refuge.”
Nearby resident Mohammed Kashko, 66, described “screaming children,” “fire and destruction,” and added, “The situation is terrifying.”
The Israeli military claimed the compound was used by Hamas “to plan and execute terror attacks.” Gaza’s health ministry denounced the strike, calling it a “forced evacuation” of patients and staff.
The strike comes amid broader Israeli operations across Gaza, including a deadly airstrike in Deir el-Balah that killed seven people, six of them brothers.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 50,000 people have died since the war began in October 2023. The UN says Gaza’s healthcare system is collapsing under the pressure, with only a few of 36 hospitals still partially operational.
