Location of al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza Targeted During Israel Conflict

Tragedy Strikes al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza Amid Escalating Conflict

In a heartbreaking development, a massive explosion rocked al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, resulting in a devastating loss of life, with over 500 Palestinians tragically losing their lives. This tragic incident has elicited global condemnation, highlighting the dire situation that many civilians face as they attempt to find refuge from nearly two weeks of relentless Israeli airstrikes on the besieged enclave.

Palestinian authorities have accused Israel of being responsible for the hospital's bombing, while Tel Aviv has shifted blame to Gaza-based armed groups, further muddying the waters surrounding this horrific event. Palestinian armed groups have vehemently denied any involvement.

Here's what we know about the hospital and the incident:

Location of al-Ahli Arab Hospital:

Al-Ahli Arab Hospital is situated in Gaza's Old City, nestled between the Shujaiya and Zeitoun neighborhoods in Gaza City. This location places it within a mere 3km of al-Shifa Hospital, the largest public hospital in the densely populated Gaza Strip, which is home to 2.3 million people. The hospital is also in close proximity to several historical landmarks, including the Great Omari Mosque, two of Gaza's churches—St. Philip the Evangelist Chapel and St. Porphyrius Church, as well as Gaza's historic Zawiyam Market.

Founded in 1882, al-Ahli is one of the oldest hospitals in Gaza, providing medical care to over 45,000 patients annually.

Timing of the Strike:

The exact timing of the strike remains unclear, but according to the Israeli military, reports of an explosion at the hospital emerged at 6:59 pm local time (3:59 GMT). The devastation and the tragic targeting of the church on the hospital premises have prompted international condemnation and calls for justice.

In the initial aftermath of the blast, varying reports on casualties emerged, with a Gaza civil defense chief citing 300 casualties, health ministry sources reporting 471, and 28 individuals in critical condition.

Victims Relocated:

The hospital's explosion prompted the transportation of numerous injured individuals to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Heart-wrenching scenes captured by Al Jazeera's footage revealed medics and civilians dealing with the aftermath, using white bags and blankets to recover bodies amidst the grim and harrowing setting.

About al-Ahli Arab Hospital:

This hospital stands as the oldest and sole Christian hospital in Gaza, according to the Jerusalem diocese's website. It is one of the 22 hospitals in northern Gaza struggling to provide vital healthcare services during this ongoing crisis, which has already seen over 3,300 Palestinians killed and more than 13,000 wounded due to Israeli attacks on residential structures.

In addition to its healthcare services, the hospital runs a breast cancer detection program, offers a free community clinic with transportation for those in outlying neighborhoods, and operates a clinic for underweight and malnourished children. It also provides physical and occupational therapy.

As per reports by The Wall Street Journal, the hospital recently inaugurated a new cancer ward, primarily funded by the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem in Texas. The hospital's current head is Suhaila Tarazi.

Attacks on Healthcare Facilities:

Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, there have been over 115 attacks on healthcare facilities in Palestine, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Gaza City and North Gaza, at least 20 hospitals have received repeated evacuation orders from the Israeli military, while 77 documented attacks have occurred in the West Bank, 43 of which involved physical violence against healthcare teams.

The dire situation in Gaza has resulted in severe damage to medical infrastructure, with healthcare providers operating under challenging conditions marked by limited access to medical supplies, making it difficult to deliver timely and quality healthcare.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the urgency to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The world watches as the situation unfolds and the toll on innocent lives continues to rise.