Patients Evacuated After Israeli Airstrike Hits Gaza Hospital Amid Intensifying Offensive

Patients were evacuated from Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City after an Israeli airstrike destroyed parts of the facility on Sunday, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. The strike reportedly hit the surgery building and oxygen station shortly after the Israeli army issued a warning to evacuate.

The airstrike follows Israel’s seizure of a key corridor between Rafah and Khan Yunis and its announcement to expand military operations across much of Gaza. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that operations would intensify, urging civilians to leave combat zones. He insisted the release of all hostages by Hamas is the only way to end the ongoing war.

Al-Ahli Hospital, also known as the Baptist Hospital, has previously come under fire during the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel. Since the collapse of a ceasefire on March 18, over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed, bringing the total Palestinian death toll to over 50,900, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The Israeli military accuses Hamas of operating from within hospitals, using them for military purposes—claims the group denies. The World Health Organization recently reported that only 22 out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional due to ongoing attacks.

Meanwhile, displacement continues across Gaza as Israeli airstrikes and ground operations escalate. The UN has raised concerns over the forcible transfer of Palestinians into increasingly crowded zones, questioning the long-term viability of the population in the war-torn region.

In Tel Aviv, Israeli citizens marked Passover with protests demanding the release of hostages still held by Hamas, including Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, whose recent video message criticized the Israeli government’s efforts.

Tensions remain high as both sides brace for further conflict while international mediation efforts continue in Cairo.