The recent Israeli strike outside a hospital in Rafah, southern Gaza, has left at least 11 people dead and dozens injured, including children who were seeking shelter in nearby tents. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that among the casualties were two health care workers, including a paramedic.
The strike, which took place near the Emirati maternity hospital, has sparked outrage and condemnation from various organizations and individuals. Photos captured the heartbreaking scene of injured children being carried on stretchers, while colleagues of the paramedic who lost his life mourned his passing.
The Israeli military defended the strike as a “precision strike” targeting “Islamic Jihad terrorists” near the hospital. However, reports of children being injured in the attack have not been addressed by the military.
Rafah, which has been declared a safe zone for civilians by the Israeli military, is now home to over 1.5 million people, many of whom are living in overcrowded makeshift tents. Despite warnings of catastrophic consequences for civilians, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to invade the city.
The Emirati maternity hospital, one of the last functioning hospitals in Gaza, is crucial for pregnant women in the region. With only five beds left for women giving birth, the hospital is under immense pressure to provide care for the growing number of expectant mothers.
The strike near the hospital has raised concerns about the safety of pregnant women, newborns, and health care workers in the area. Calls for a cease-fire and the protection of civilians and health care workers have been reiterated by the World Health Organization and other humanitarian groups.
The devastating impact of the strike on innocent civilians, especially those seeking medical care, highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza.
