Israel Intensifies Strikes Across Gaza On Palm Sunday And Hits A Hospital In The North

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel carried out a series of airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday that struck a hospital and other locations, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 individuals, including children. Israel also announced plans to increase its security presence in the region.

The early morning attack on Al-Urahli Hospital in Gaza City was part of a string of assaults on northern Gaza’s main hospital, which offers vital healthcare services. The hospital’s director, Dr. Fadel Naim, reported severe damage to the emergency room, pharmacy, and surrounding structures, impacting over 100 patients and numerous staff members.

One young patient died during the evacuation following an Israeli warning, as the staff was unable to provide urgent care, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel claimed it targeted a Hamas command center at the hospital, but Hamas denied the accusation.

Al-Ahli Hospital, which is managed by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, condemned the attack, noting that it occurred on Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. The hospital, now temporarily out of service, had patients transferred to other medical facilities in Gaza City.

In a separate incident, a strike on a car in Deir al-Balah killed at least seven individuals, including six brothers who were charity workers distributing food to Palestinians. The father of the slain brothers questioned why they were targeted. Israel’s military stated it had killed the deputy head of a Hamas sniper unit during the attack.

Another strike hit a house in the Jabaliya refugee camp, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people, including two women. The pregnant woman rescued from the rubble later learned of the loss of her youngest daughter, husband, and mother. The ongoing violence has also caused destruction in other areas, including a municipal building in Deir al-Balah.

Israel reported striking over 90 militant targets in Gaza in the past 48 hours, including command centers, tunnels, and weapons caches. The conflict between Israel and Hamas began following a deadly attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel in 2023, leading to ongoing violence and casualties on both sides.