Israeli airstrikes have hit at least ten hospitals and clinics across the Gaza Strip in the past week. These attacks have severely disrupted medical services and put great pressure on the few remaining hospitals still working, Haaretz reported Saturday.
The airstrike on the European Hospital in Khan Younis marked the start of Israel’s intensified ground invasion, named the “Gideon Chariots” operation. This operation was approved by the Israeli Security Cabinet on May 4 and began on May 18, according to the Israeli newspaper.
Gaza’s Health Ministry said about 400,000 people now have no access to medical care due to the attacks. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed 28 attacks on hospitals in Gaza during the same week. This number represents 4% of all attacks on medical facilities since the war started.
“These military actions are speeding up the collapse of Gaza’s fragile healthcare system,” the WHO said on social media platform X. It added that 94% of Gaza’s hospitals have been either badly damaged or completely destroyed.
Out of 36 hospitals in Gaza, only 19 still operate in some way. The WHO repeated its call that hospitals should never be used for military purposes or targeted during conflicts.
Last week, four major hospitals shut down completely due to continued strikes, evacuation orders, and rising violence. Israel claims that Hamas fighters use hospitals as bases, which it cites to justify the attacks.
Since Israel launched its invasion on October 7, 2023, it has repeatedly bombed medical facilities. This has weakened Gaza’s healthcare system and put thousands of patients at risk, according to the United Nations and Palestinian officials.
Moreover, since March 2, Israel has blocked aid deliveries to Gaza. Observers say this blockade is a deliberate attempt to cause starvation. It has led to widespread famine and many civilian deaths.
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