An Israeli airstrike on Sunday caused significant damage to a pediatric hospital in Gaza City, resulting in injuries and at least eight deaths, according to Gaza’s Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health. The hospital, called al-Rantisi, is the only facility in the territory with a pediatric cancer ward on the third floor. Israel’s military has stated that it is investigating the incident.
The attack on the hospital, which was established in 2019 by the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, has caused substantial harm to the building. The organization is currently unable to confirm the exact number of casualties but is actively seeking more information.
The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund is urgently appealing for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow aid, including vital fuel for hospitals, to enter the besieged enclave. The hospital, located in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, was also providing shelter for 1,000 refugees and has been under threat due to Israel’s relentless bombardment campaign in recent weeks. Dr. Zeena Salman, an American pediatric oncologist and volunteer at the hospital, stated that the patients in the cancer ward are in an impossible situation, with some unable to be transferred to another hospital due to their unstable condition.
The health ministry reports that over 10,000 people, including 4,100 children, have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza just this month following Hamas’ attacks over the border. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern, stating that Gaza is turning into a “graveyard for children.”
UNICEF spokesperson Toby Fricker emphasized the catastrophic nature of the situation, explaining that verification of casualties does not happen in real-time. However, the estimates provided thus far have consistently indicated a high death toll. Since October 7th, Israel has accused Hamas of hiding its members in hospitals, an allegation denied by the militant group. Guterres acknowledged that Hamas may be using civilians as human shields but condemned the targeting of hospitals, refugee camps, and other civilian facilities by Israeli bombs.
Nowhere in Gaza is safe.
