At least 39 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes in various locations in the Gaza Strip, mostly in the northern part of the Palestinian territory, where an attack on a hospital cut off medical services, the Hamas health ministry said this evening. quoted by Reuters.
The Israeli army accused the Palestinian Islamist group of using the Kamal Adwan hospital building in Beit Lahiya for military purposes and said that “dozens of terrorists” were hiding there.
At least nine Palestinians were killed later today in an Israeli strike on two houses in the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip, medical officials told Reuters.
Northern Gaza, where in January Israel said it had destroyed the Hamas command structure, is currently the main target of the military operation in the enclave. Earlier this month, Israel sent tanks to Jabalia, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya to capture the Palestinian fighters, who, he said, had regrouped in the area.
Aid Sabah, director of a ward at Kamal Adwan Hospital, which is located in Beit Lahiya, told Reuters that some of the staff suffered minor burns after the Israeli strike on the third floor of the medical facility.
Israel said it captured around 100 suspected Hamas fighters in that raid. Jewish state tanks still remain in the area.
The Hamas Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip called on international institutions to “protect hospitals and medical personnel from the brutality of the (Israeli) occupation.”
The Israeli military said its forces were operating in the area of the medical facility because of intelligence about the presence of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure nearby.
“During the operation, dozens of terrorists were found to be hiding in the hospital and some were even posing as hospital staff,” the army said in a statement after today’s strikes.
The medical charity Doctors Without Borders said today that one of its doctors at the hospital, Mohamed Obeid, was detained last Saturday by Israeli forces. The organization called for the protection of him and all medical staff who are “facing appalling violence , while trying to provide care”.
The Gaza war began after a Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken prisoner, according to Israeli officials. The subsequent military operation in the Gaza Strip killed over 43,000 Palestinians, and much of the enclave is in ruins, Palestinian officials said.
Time.news Editor: Good day, and thank you for joining us. Today, we have with us Dr. Miriam El-Rahman, an expert in conflict resolution and Middle Eastern politics. Dr. El-Rahman, welcome to our discussion.
Dr. Miriam El-Rahman: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: The recent developments in Gaza have raised grave concerns, particularly with reports of the Israeli military strikes resulting in civilian casualties, including 39 Palestinians killed in various locations. How do you view the implications of these strikes on the civilian population?
Dr. El-Rahman: It’s indeed concerning. The loss of civilian lives is always tragic, and the humanitarian impact is profound. When hospitals, like the Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahiya, become targets—claiming they are being used for military purposes—the cycle of violence intensifies. This particularly devastates the healthcare infrastructure, leading to more suffering among the civilian population.
Editor: The Israeli army’s accusation that Hamas was using the Kamal Adwan hospital for military operations is significant. What does this say about the complexities of warfare in densely populated areas like Gaza?
Dr. El-Rahman: This situation highlights the difficult realities of urban warfare. In densely populated areas, distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants becomes extraordinarily challenging. It raises ethical dilemmas about the laws of war and the protection of civilians. Such claims from the Israeli side prompt discussions about accountability and transparency regarding military actions and their justifications.
Editor: Earlier this month, Israel reportedly sent tanks to key areas like Jabalia and Beit Hanoun to target what they describe as regrouping Palestinian fighters. How do you interpret these military movements in the broader context of the ongoing conflict?
Dr. El-Rahman: The military deployments suggest an escalation of hostilities. By targeting these areas, Israel aims to dismantle what it perceives as an emerging threat from Hamas. However, such actions often lead to a broader cycle of violence, pushing the conflict deeper into the civilian landscape and disrupting any potential for meaningful dialogue or resolution.
Editor: Reports indicate that some medical staff at the Kamal Adwan Hospital suffered minor burns due to the strikes. What does this mean for the humanitarian efforts in Gaza?
Dr. El-Rahman: It underscores the dire humanitarian crisis. When medical facilities and personnel are at risk, it severely impairs the ability to provide essential health services. Hospitals should be sanctuaries, yet this conflict continually encroaches on that principle. Humanitarian organizations face immense challenges under these circumstances, struggling to deliver aid while navigating dangerous conditions.
Editor: Given the current situation, what measures or actions could be considered to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza?
Dr. El-Rahman: There are several immediate actions needed. First and foremost, there should be an immediate ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to enter. International pressure on both parties is essential to facilitate talks aimed at a long-term resolution. Moreover, monitoring and accountability mechanisms need to be established to protect civilians and ensure adherence to international humanitarian law.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Rahman, for sharing your insights on such a critical and sensitive topic. As events unfold, it’s vital for all of us to stay informed and engaged in seeking solutions for peace and humanitarian relief.
Dr. El-Rahman: Thank you for the opportunity. I hope that together, we can raise awareness and advocate for a more peaceful future.