An air strike by Israel at a hospital in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of at least 500 Palestinians, according to Palestinian authorities.
The Palestinian Health Ministry anticipates the casualty count to rise as numerous civilians had sought refuge at the Ahli Arab Hospital before the incident.
Against the backdrop of deteriorating conditions in Gaza, with dwindling food, fuel, and water supplies, hundreds of thousands of people were fleeing the northern part of the enclave to evade an anticipated Israeli ground invasion.
The hospital is funded by the Anglican Church, and Richard Sewell, Dean of St George’s College – one of the church’s top figures in Jerusalem – said that it took “a direct hit from an Israeli missile”, the BBC reported.
Israel’s blockade of essential supplies to Gaza and its daily airstrikes started on October 7 when palestinain soldiers retailiated to decades long occupationl crimes committed by Israel.
The rescuers are struggling to save over 1,200 people trapped under debris, conflicts erupting over limited food supplies, and hospitals grappling with the growing number of injured individuals as their power sources ran low on fuel. Palestinian officials reported a high toll of casualties and injuries from the Israeli strikes.
Efforts to address the worsening humanitarian crisis and provide aid to Gaza’s two million residents have yielded limited results despite US-led diplomatic initiatives. The attempts to deliver aid through Egypt’s border with Gaza were unsuccessful.
The United States expressed optimism about finalizing an aid agreement and establishing safe zones in southern Gaza, where a substantial number of Palestinians had sought refuge after being instructed to leave the north by Israel.
However, Israeli forces persisted in launching airstrikes in southern Gaza, resulting in additional casualties, while the Israeli military confirmed targeting Hamas locations.
