Israeli Airstrike Forces Gaza’s Al-Ahli Hospital to Cease Operations, Highlighting Strain on Medical Facilities in Conflict Zones

In the early hours of Sunday, an Israeli airstrike targeted the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, leading to significant damage and forcing the facility to cease operations. Dr. Fadel Naim, the hospital’s administrative director, reported that the strike destroyed a building housing the reception and emergency department. Fortunately, there were no casualties directly from the attack, as patients and staff had evacuated the premises following an Israeli military warning.

The evacuation, however, was not without tragedy. According to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, a young girl died during the process due to the inability of medical staff to provide urgent care amidst the hurried evacuation. The hospital, which served as the last central medical center in Gaza City, was rendered out of service following the strike.

The incident occurred after the Israeli military issued a warning to the hospital, giving them only 20 minutes to evacuate. This warning prompted a rapid response from hospital staff to move patients to safety. The outpatient and laboratory wards were among the areas affected by the strike, which took place late Saturday night.

The attack on the hospital has drawn attention to the ongoing conflict in the region, highlighting the challenges faced by medical facilities operating under such conditions. The destruction of the hospital’s key departments underscores the broader impact of military actions on civilian infrastructure and the provision of essential health services in conflict zones.