Tragic Airstrikes in Gaza
New Delhi: Recent Israeli airstrikes on two hospitals in Gaza resulted in at least 28 fatalities, occurring shortly after a brief ceasefire that followed the release of Israeli-American hostages on Tuesday. Edan Alexander, aged 21, had been captured by Hamas following their assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. His release on Monday came amid ongoing violence in the region, which has been enduring for over a year and a half.
Following Alexander’s release, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that military operations would continue. “In the next few days, we will do our best to complete the surgery,” he stated on Tuesday.
Israeli forces launched six bombs targeting the European Hospital complex near Khan Yunis and the emergency department at Nasser Hospital. The bombings left significant destruction, including a large crater in the hospital’s courtyard, with a bus reportedly caught in the resulting debris.
Local photojournalist Amuro Tabash described the harrowing scene, noting, “Both the hospital, patients, and injured were running in fear—some on crutches, others screaming for their children, and some dragging themselves into bed.” Witnesses mentioned that Israeli drones hovered low in the area, hindering rescue efforts, with reports of quadcopter drones injuring two civil defense members attempting to reach the hospital.
Dr. Tom Potker, a plastic surgeon present during the assault, recounted the chaos, saying there were “six giant explosions one after another” and “no warning at all,” resulting in “total panic.”
Israeli media suggested the strikes aimed to target Hamas leader Mohamed Singwar, who is related to Yahya Singwar, killed in an Israeli operation in October 2024. Hamas has denied using hospitals and civilian sites for military activities.
Netanyahu attributed Edan Alexander’s release to “our military pressure and the political pressure exerted by President Trump.” On the other hand, Hamas has refuted this, claiming to have met with the U.S. during a brief Gaza ceasefire.
The conflict initiated on October 7, 2023, saw Hamas’s attack claim the lives of around 1,200 individuals, with 251 taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel has reportedly killed more than 52,000 people in Gaza, per the Ministry of Health. The ongoing violence has displaced thousands, primarily targeting civilians, particularly women and children, while obstructing crucial humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and clothing.
