Two hospitals in Gaza City have been rendered non-operational due to the intensification of Israel’s ground offensive and the damage inflicted by ongoing Israeli airstrikes, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Al-Rantissi Children’s Hospital sustained significant damage from an Israeli bombardment a few days ago, while the nearby Eye Hospital was impacted by Israeli attacks, leading to the suspension of its services. The Health Ministry accused Israel of deliberately targeting the healthcare system in Gaza as part of its aggressive policy towards the region, highlighting the lack of safe access routes for patients and the wounded to reach medical facilities.
Israel, amid its ground assault on Gaza City, has been targeting housing blocks allegedly used by Hamas, describing the city as the stronghold of the militant group. Reports indicate that Israeli tanks have advanced further into areas where the two hospitals are situated, with demolitions of houses and the use of explosive-laden vehicles causing widespread destruction. At least 25 people were reported killed by Israeli fire on Monday in Gaza City.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to neutralizing Hamas and ensuring the safety of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza during a meeting with top military officials. Hamas released a video of an Israeli hostage, Alon Ohel, with concerns raised over the inhumane treatment of captives. Rights groups have criticized Hamas for releasing videos of hostages, labeling it as a war crime. Meanwhile, local health authorities confirmed the death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza City, with the conflict exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In a separate incident, an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon resulted in the death of five individuals, including three children. The strike targeted alleged Hezbollah positions, despite a truce between Lebanon and Israel. The Lebanese government condemned the attack, with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri expressing sorrow over the civilian casualties.
The ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon has raised international concerns, with calls for de-escalation and efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the conflict-affected regions.
[Image: Palestinians search for victims at a residential building hit in an Israeli strike in Gaza City on Monday. (Ebrahim Hajjaj/Reuters)]
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