An Israeli airstrike on a hospital courtyard in the Gaza Strip early Monday resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and caused a fire that spread through a tent camp for displaced individuals, leaving over two dozen people with severe burns, as reported by Palestinian medics.
The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted militants hiding among civilians, citing concerns of Hamas fighters using crowded shelters and tent camps as staging grounds for attacks.
The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah was already overwhelmed with treating wounded individuals from a prior strike on a school-turned-shelter that claimed the lives of at least 20 people. The subsequent airstrike led to a fire engulfing many tents in the camp.
Footage captured children among the wounded, with heartbreaking scenes of individuals seeking medical attention. Hospital records indicated four fatalities and 40 injuries, with 25 individuals transferred to another hospital due to severe burns.
Israel continues its near-daily strikes in Gaza, with ongoing ground operations in the north targeting militant groups. The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel in 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a large portion of the population displaced and infrastructure destroyed. Concerns have been raised over potential Israeli strategies that could violate international law, including forced evacuations and starvation tactics.
Israeli rights groups have urged the international community to intervene and prevent potential humanitarian crises. The conflict has also spilled over into southern Lebanon, with Israel engaging Hezbollah militants, further escalating tensions in the region.
As the conflict shows no signs of abating, the prospect of a broader regional war looms, with potential repercussions for neighboring countries. The toll on civilians, particularly women and children, underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's war coverage.
