An Israeli air strike on Gaza City’s last fully functional hospital, Al-Quds Hospital, has significantly exacerbated an already desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza City. The attack, which happened early Thursday morning, left hundreds of patients and medical staff trapped inside its crumbled remains; many may have died or been injured during its destruction.
Hospitals had been providing crucial aid to civilians caught up in ongoing conflicts, yet many infrastructure components are now non-operational due to severe damage. Vital medical equipment – including lifesaving ventilators – have been destroyed while emergency services remain disorganized.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Khatib, a senior physician at the hospital, described it as an unprecedented catastrophe: we were already overwhelmed with casualties when the airstrike hit, but now our ability to care for wounded has vanished with its destruction; many in Gaza now feel hopeless.”
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed an airstrike, alleging it hit Hamas military assets located near or within a hospital complex. However, several international organizations and human rights activists strongly denounced it citing international law that states medical facilities cannot be targeted regardless of military claims.
“Any deliberate targeting of a hospital constitutes a grave breach of international humanitarian law and calls for immediate accountability,” stated Lynn Hastings, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for occupied Palestinian territories.
The strike has compounded an already dire situation in Gaza, as hospitals, schools and infrastructure are being severely damaged during months-long fighting. Local authorities estimate at least 45 people have died as a result, including patients, doctors and medical staff; more deaths may follow as recovery efforts proceed.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed “deep alarm” at the attack, calling for international intervention to protect civilian infrastructure in Gaza and permit medical teams access. Over 15,000 casualties have been reported since escalation of hostilities began in 2023, leading to one of the worst humanitarian crises ever witnessed in Gaza.
Responding to Israel’s airstrike, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a condemnation and called upon the international community to intervene, calling Israel’s actions war crimes. Protests also broke out across numerous nations demanding an end to violence and protection for civilian life.
As tensions escalate and deaths rise, the international community has called for an immediate ceasefire so humanitarian aid and medical supplies can reach those most in need in the region. Unfortunately, both parties seem entrenched in their conflict; therefore peace looks increasingly unlikely.