Israeli Airstrike Near Hospital in Rafah, Gaza, Kills At Least 11, Including Healthcare Workers
In a devastating turn of events, an Israeli airstrike near a hospital in Rafah, Gaza, has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, according to Gaza health officials. The strike, which occurred on Saturday, also left dozens of displaced Palestinians injured, including children who were seeking shelter nearby.
Reports indicate that the strike targeted a location outside the Emirati maternity hospital, claiming the lives of at least two healthcare workers, including a paramedic identified as Abdul Fattah Abu Marai. Shocking images captured by news agencies depict the aftermath of the attack, with injured children being attended to on stretchers while colleagues mourn the loss of their fallen comrade.
The Israeli military has defended the strike as a “precision strike” against “Islamic Jihad terrorists” near the hospital. However, they have refrained from commenting on reports of civilian casualties, including children.
Rafah, situated in southern Gaza, has been inundated with displaced civilians, with more than half of Gaza’s population seeking refuge in the city. Despite assurances from the Israeli military regarding the safety of civilians in Rafah, airstrikes have persisted, raising concerns about the welfare of innocent bystanders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to invade Rafah regardless of a temporary cease-fire deal has sparked outrage and condemnation from humanitarian groups and Israel’s allies. Many fear the catastrophic consequences of a military operation in the densely populated city.
Reacting to the news, the leader of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, denounced the strike as “outrageous and unspeakable,” reiterating calls for an immediate cease-fire and the protection of healthcare workers and civilians.
The Emirati maternity hospital, one of the few remaining medical facilities operational in Gaza, has been stretched to its limits, with an overwhelming number of patients seeking care amid the ongoing conflict. Dominic Allen, representing the United Nations Population Fund, described the hospital as “the last hope for pregnant women in the whole of Gaza,” emphasizing the terrifying risk posed by strikes in close proximity to the facility.
As the conflict in Gaza escalates, the international community continues to advocate for an end to hostilities and the protection of civilian lives. However, until a lasting resolution is reached, the people of Gaza remain trapped in a cycle of violence and uncertainty, with the threat of further tragedy looming overhead.
