Israeli Strikes on Gaza Kill at Least 21 People, Including Children

A wave of Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people, including children, as Israel vowed to expand its security presence in the small coastal area. The strikes targeted several key sites, including a hospital and other areas, causing widespread damage and affecting over 100 patients and dozens of staff. The Israeli military claimed it struck a Hamas command and control centre at one of the targeted sites, but Hamas denied the allegations. The assault has raised concerns about the protection of hospitals under international law, as Israel has repeatedly besieged and raided them, accusing Hamas of using them as cover for its fighters.

Key Takeaways:

• At least 21 people, including children, were killed in the Israeli strikes across Gaza on Sunday.
• The pre-dawn strike on Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City was the latest of several attacks on northern Gaza's last major hospital providing critical health care.
• The emergency room, pharmacy, and surrounding buildings at Al-Ahli Hospital were severely damaged, affecting over 100 patients and dozens of staff.
• One patient, a girl, died during the evacuation following an Israeli warning because staff were unable to provide urgent care.
• Israel alleged that it struck a Hamas command and control centre at the hospital, but Hamas denied the allegations.
• Al-Ahli Hospital is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which condemned the attack, stating it occurred on Palm Sunday, the start of the Holy Week.
• Patients were carried outside in beds and slept in the streets after the hospital's temporary closure.
• The aid group Medical Aid for Palestinians called it the fifth attack on Al-Ahli since the war began.
• Hospitals have special protection under international law, but Israel has repeatedly besieged and raided them, accusing Hamas of using them as cover for its fighters.
• The Israeli military claimed responsibility for more than 90 militant targets over the past 48 hours.
• The strikes also killed six brothers, including a 10-year-old boy, in a car in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.
• The youngest brother was among the seven people, including six brothers, killed in the strike.

Statistics:

• At least 21 people, including children, were killed in the Israeli strikes across Gaza on Sunday.
• Over 100 patients and dozens of staff were affected by the damage to the Al-Ahli Hospital.
• Al-Ahli Hospital has been attacked at least five times since the war began, according to Medical Aid for Palestinians.
• More than 90 militant targets were struck by the Israeli military over the past 48 hours.
• Seven people, including two women and six brothers, were killed in the strike on a house in the urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza.
• Three people were killed in the strike on a municipal building in Deir al-Balah.
• Three people were killed in the strike in Khan Younis.

Sources:

• The Associated Press
• The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
• Medical Aid for Palestinians
• Al-Ahli Hospital
• Gaza's Health Ministry
• Israel's military
• Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital