What's happened
Israeli forces continue heavy bombardments in Gaza, destroying hospitals and medical facilities amid ongoing conflict. At least 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, with many medical centers damaged or destroyed, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Diplomatic efforts for ceasefire are underway.
What's behind the headline?
The recent Israeli strikes on Gaza's hospitals highlight the severe humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict. The destruction of medical infrastructure hampers emergency response and exacerbates civilian suffering. While Israel claims military necessity, the repeated targeting of hospitals raises questions about adherence to international law and the protection of medical facilities. The international community's calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors reflect the urgency of addressing the crisis, but political negotiations remain complex. The potential for further escalation threatens regional stability, and the destruction of Gaza’s health infrastructure will likely prolong the humanitarian crisis long after active hostilities cease.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports on the ongoing violence and hospital bombings, emphasizing the 'horrific scenes' at al-Shifa Hospital and the shelling of Gaza City’s medical facilities. The New Arab details the destruction of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society’s main center, highlighting the impact on trauma and chronic disease care. The Independent echoes these points, noting the widespread damage to Gaza’s hospitals and the condemnation from WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. All sources agree that Israeli military actions have severely compromised Gaza’s healthcare system, worsening the humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire.
How we got here
The conflict in Gaza escalated after Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, leading Israel to launch a major offensive aimed at pressuring Hamas and rescuing hostages. Israeli military operations have targeted Gaza's infrastructure, including hospitals, amid accusations of using medical facilities for military purposes. The blockade and ongoing violence have pushed Gaza into famine, with hundreds of thousands displaced and thousands killed.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Are Ukrainian Drones Targeting Russian Oil Ports?
Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure have become a significant part of the ongoing conflict. These strikes aim to weaken Russia's energy exports and put economic pressure on Moscow. But what exactly is the strategic goal behind targeting oil ports like Primorsk? And how could these attacks impact global energy markets? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this escalating conflict and its wider implications.
More on these topics
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
Gaza City, often simply called Gaza, is a city in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, and the capital of the Gaza Governorate. Located on the Mediterranean coast, 76.6 kilometres (47.6 mi) southwest of Jerusalem, it was home to Palestine's only port. With a popula
-
Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.