Thousands Flee Gaza Hospital after Israeli Air Strike
Ayman Al-Masri, along with thousands of others, sought safety in southern Gaza after escaping the main hospital in the enclave, which Palestinian officials claim was hit by an Israeli air strike. Masri had taken refuge at Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City with his mother and sister, hoping to find safety after receiving treatment for a leg wound at another hospital.
However, their hopes were shattered when Palestinian officials reported an attack on Al Shifa, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to others seeking shelter at the hospital. Masri and others made their way south, some carrying their belongings, mattresses, and luggage, while others waved white flags.
Masri and his family walked three kilometers, passing Israeli tanks that had advanced into the city, before finally getting a lift. He expressed his frustration, saying, “Today we are going south, tomorrow they may send us north. This isn’t a solution. We want a truce.”
Israel has not yet commented on the incident but maintains that it does not target civilians and takes great precautions to avoid harming them. Israel alleges that Hamas militants have hidden command centers and tunnels beneath Al Shifa, accusations denied by Hamas.
Since Hamas militants breached Gaza’s border fence on October 7, Israel has been conducting airstrikes, naval attacks, and ground operations in the region. Israel claims that 1,400 people were killed and approximately 240 abducted during the attack. However, Palestinian officials assert that over 11,000 people have been killed since Israel initiated its military campaign, causing Gaza’s hospitals to struggle with medical supplies, clean water, and fuel shortages for generators.
A woman who fled Al Shifa reported that she had been receiving treatment in the maternity department when bombs began falling on the hospital. She described the chaotic scenes as displaced people were forced to run to the streets for safety. Video footage shared on social media, verified by Reuters, showed the aftermath of the attack near Al Shifa’s outpatient department. The footage depicted injured individuals, including a young girl covered in blood, a lifeless boy, and people in distress.
Reuters confirmed the location of the incident through the girl seen in the video, who was also captured in other footage at the hospital’s entrance. The appearance of the hospital entrance matched previous imagery, and the source has uploaded multiple videos from the hospital before, establishing their credibility.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with civilians facing the constant threat of violence and the healthcare system on the brink of collapse. International efforts to broker a truce between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, but the immediate priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the thousands of people displaced by the conflict.
