Gaza Hospital Strike: Ongoing Conflict Between Israel and Hamas

What Caused the Tragic Explosion at a Crowded Gaza hospital strike? According to Palestinian health officials, hundreds of people were killed in a horrific explosion at a busy Gaza hospital. Israeli authorities have denied participation in the incident, and Palestinian authorities have blamed Israel for it.

A massacre: hundreds are killed in an Israeli strike on the Episcopal (Anglican) Church hospital (Al Ahli Arab Hospital) in #Gaza, there were hundreds of medical staff, patients and civilians taking refuge under Church protection. What and how long will it take to stop these… pic.twitter.com/oc3wSHwRTO

— Husam Zomlot (@hzomlot) October 17, 2023

Intense fighting between Israel and Hamas is in the background. At the same time, the tragedy plays out, and international mediators are working nonstop to make it easier to get relief to Gaza and evacuate refugees with foreign passports.

Also Read: Israel-Hamas War Live Updates-What Lies Ahead if Israel Starts Gaza Invasion?

Human Toll: Gaza Hospital Strike

According to Palestinian health experts, women and children made up the majority of the victims of this horrific occurrence. Anguished parents were seen cradling their injured or dead children in the early aftermath on Arabic TV stations.

Hospital Director of the Gaza Baptiste Hospital, surrounded by bodies, says Israel warned them yesterday with 2 bombs.

Today Israel claims it was a Hamas air strike.

Too bad some idiot from the Israeli govt already admitted to the terrorist attack.🇮🇱
pic.twitter.com/bkQ6wDb02c

— Dr. Anastasia Maria Loupis (@DrLoupis) October 18, 2023

Palestinians clashed with police in the West Bank city of Ramallah, yelling anti-Israel chants and demands for Mahmoud Abbas. The head of the Palestinian Authority to step down. Police in Amman used tear gas to disperse protesters outside the Israeli embassy.

Biden’s Summit Postponed

Mahmoud Abbas, the president of Palestine, proclaimed three days of mourning and postponed a meeting with Vice President Biden in Jordan. The White House later confirmed the cancellation of President Biden’s whole trip to Amman.

I am outraged and deeply saddened by the explosion at the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza, and the terrible loss of life that resulted. Immediately upon hearing this news, I spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and have directed my national…

— President Biden (@POTUS) October 17, 2023

Israel Blamed & Denies Responsibility

The Gaza hospital strike has been attributed to Israel by the Palestinian Authority and many Arab states. Including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) insist that hospitals are sensitive facilities rather than legal targets.

Over 3,000 people have already died, and over 12,500 have been injured in the battle. The already shocking death toll in Gaza is expected to rise sharply due to this Gaza hospital strike; over 1,250 people were hurt, and 61 died in the West Bank.

Meanwhile, approximately 1,400 people have died in Israel, mainly due to a significant attack by Hamas. On October 7, that also entailed the abduction of nearly 200 hostages.

Struggle in Civilian Facilities

As gasoline for generators ran out after Israel imposed a complete blockade on the region, the Gaza hospital strike was already having difficulty treating the thousands of injured people. Sadly, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) stated that an Israeli airstrike damaged one of its schools where thousands of Gaza people had sought refuge and caused at least six casualties.

“Hospitals and medical personnel are protected under international humanitarian law.”

— @antonioguterres after hundreds of civilians are killed in strike on hospital in Gaza on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/4DLOKiIYS8

— United Nations (@UN) October 17, 2023

Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of UNRWA, expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing that “Gaza is no longer a haven, not even UNRWA facilities.” Israel’s evacuation orders forced over 1 million people into internal displacement, as the citizens of Gaza had no alternative.

Plea for Aid and Safety For Gaza Hospital Strike

The United States and Israel have decided to develop a plan to provide help from donor countries and multilateral organizations. The situation in Gaza rapidly deteriorated due to water, electricity, and crucial commodities shortages.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for conversations. To create safe havens for civilians and the need to start a humanitarian flow into Gaza.

The main obstacle is at the Rafah border crossing, with Egyptian assistance vehicles waiting to enter Gaza. To allow the flow of supplies while addressing security concerns, reopening the bridge is a challenging task.

Tensions on the Rise

Israeli forces are still fighting Hamas in the south and fending off fresh Hezbollah threats at Lebanon’s northern border. Israel claimed to have killed four jihadists who were trying to enter from Lebanon. Residents along Israel’s northern border evacuated their towns. In response to this escalation, they expected further protracted clashes.

Hamas continued launching missiles overnight at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, making the situation tense. According to reports, Israel hunted for and executed Osama Mazzini.

Biden’s Upcoming Visit

President Biden has confirmed his trip to Tel Aviv despite the worsening tensions and the postponement of numerous meetings. He plans to discuss the hostage crisis involving American citizens detained by Hamas. This visit shows the strong support the US has for Israel.

The world’s attention is on finding a way to relieve the suffering of the people of Gaza and protect their safety. Yet the region continues to be a hotbed of conflict and tragedy.