Israeli Airstrike Devastates Gaza Hospital, Killing 4 and Severely Injuring Dozens in Tent Camp Fire
October 14, 2024
An Israeli airstrike on the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the Gaza Strip early Monday has killed at least four people and caused a fire that spread through a tent camp for displaced civilians. According to Palestinian medics, the fire left more than two dozen individuals with severe burns. The Israeli military claimed it was targeting militants hiding among civilians but did not provide specific evidence. This strike comes amid a series of attacks by Israel on crowded shelters and tent camps, with allegations that Hamas fighters are using these areas as cover for operations.
The hospital, located in the central city of Deir al-Balah, was already overwhelmed, treating victims from an earlier airstrike on a school-turned-shelter that killed at least 20 people. The early morning attack triggered several secondary explosions, although it remains unclear whether they were caused by munitions or fuel tanks. Video footage captured the devastating scene, including children among the wounded, with hospital staff scrambling to provide care on an already overcrowded hospital floor. At least 40 individuals were injured, 25 of whom suffered severe burns and were transferred to another facility in southern Gaza.
The situation in Gaza continues to escalate more than a year after the war began following a Hamas attack on southern Israel. Israel’s ongoing strikes have resulted in more than 42,000 Palestinian deaths, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting that women and children make up over half of the fatalities. Large-scale displacement has affected nearly 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Meanwhile, rights groups have voiced concerns over Israel’s potential plans to enforce a “surrender-or-starve” strategy in the northern part of Gaza, which could violate international law. The region remains on high alert as both Israel and Hezbollah continue their military operations.
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