The Al Ahli hospital in Gaza City was severely damaged and caught fire after being struck for the second time. The initial attack occurred on Saturday, resulting in injuries to four people and the destruction of medical equipment. Additionally, three hospital staff members lost their homes due to the bombings. The second missile strike took place on Tuesday, the 17th, causing approximately 500 casualties. Israel has denied responsibility for the attacks.
In total, there have been reports of 34 healthcare facilities being damaged or destroyed in the Gaza Strip during the recent conflict. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 34 attacks on healthcare centers, leading to the deaths of 11 healthcare workers on duty. This information is based on reports from six days ago.
Furthermore, the Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, Dr. Hosam Naoum, shared on social media that the Al-Ahli Arab hospital, which has been in existence since 1882, was hit by a missile on Saturday. This attack resulted in injuries to four staff members and damage to the ultrasound and mammography room. The hospital, which predates the establishment of Israel by 66 years, was a historic institution in Gaza.
The hospital was associated with Embrace the Middle East, and its chief executive, Tim Livesey, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and a vital healthcare institution that served people in Gaza without regard to their background. It’s important to note that the hospital had no affiliation with Hamas, a group Embrace had supported for years.
Israel has denied involvement in the attacks and instead attributed them to their adversaries.