A devastating Israeli air strike on the European Gaza hospital in Khan Younis has resulted in the deaths of at least six people and injured dozens, according to local officials. The strike, which involved six bombs dropped simultaneously on the hospital, hit both its inner courtyard and surrounding area. Israeli warplanes carried out the attack, with the Israeli military claiming it was a “precise strike” on a Hamas base allegedly located beneath the hospital.
Eyewitnesses described the horrific scene, with several deep craters inside the hospital compound burying vehicles, including a large bus. A freelance journalist working for the BBC in Gaza was among those injured and is currently in stable condition after receiving medical attention. The dead and wounded have been transferred to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where the emergency department was hit by another strike earlier on Tuesday.
Israeli media reports suggest the target of the strike was senior Hamas figure Mohammed Sinwar, younger brother of former Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar. Unfortunately, this incident is part of a larger conflict that has been ongoing since October 7, 2023, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement of people in Gaza.
The Gaza war has seen intense fighting, with Israel launching a large-scale ground incursion into parts of northern Gaza and airstrikes targeting areas around hospitals, including the al-Quds hospital, where thousands of civilians were sheltering. The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 52,000 Palestinians reported killed and more than 110,000 injured since the start of the Israeli offensive.
Local sources and eyewitnesses have described the devastating impact of the strikes on civilians and infrastructure. The Israeli military’s actions have been justified as targeting Hamas bases, but the consequences for civilians and medical facilities have been catastrophic. The situation remains dire, with ongoing clashes and humanitarian needs overwhelming the capacity of local hospitals and aid organizations.
Gaza journalist Hassan Aslih was also killed in an Israeli strike on a hospital, highlighting the risks faced by media personnel in the conflict zone. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with concerns about the protection of civilians and the escalation of violence in the region. As the conflict rages on, the plight of those caught in the crossfire remains a pressing concern.