Israeli Attack on North Gaza Hospital Leaves ICU Patients Dead

Gaza, The Gulf Observer: At least eight Palestinians were killed, and many others injured in a series of Israeli air and artillery strikes on northern Gaza, according to Palestinian sources. The attacks targeted civilian homes and hospitals, further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

Medical authorities reported that four people were killed, and over 15 others injured when an Israeli airstrike hit a home in the Tuba area of the Jabalia refugee camp. In a separate attack, two more Palestinians were killed, and seven others wounded when Israeli forces targeted a residence belonging to the Saeedi family in the same area, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense.

The violence extended to medical facilities, with the Palestinian Health Ministry confirming that Israeli artillery struck the upper floors of the Indonesian Hospital. The hospital, which was treating over 40 patients, including those injured in earlier attacks, was severely impacted by the bombardment. Medical staff were also among those affected.

The situation at the Indonesian Hospital worsened as electricity was cut, leaving critically ill patients dependent on life-saving equipment at grave risk. Two patients in the intensive care unit reportedly died after the facility was besieged by Israeli forces, cutting off power for several hours. Marwan Sultan, the hospital director, warned of the catastrophic conditions, noting that at least 30 patients were injured, with 10 in urgent need of oxygen.

A witness at the scene said that artillery fire also struck a group of displaced civilians gathered outside the hospital gates, causing further casualties. The area around the hospital, which has been serving as a shelter for thousands of displaced individuals, remains surrounded by Israeli forces, worsening the already desperate situation for civilians trapped in the conflict zone.

In a related development, the Al Awda Hospital in the Tel Al Zaatar area of Jabalia was also hit by Israeli artillery, just hours after the strike on the Indonesian Hospital. The continued targeting of medical facilities has drawn widespread condemnation from humanitarian organizations, who are calling for the protection of civilians and medical personnel.

The escalation in violence has further strained the already overwhelmed healthcare system in Gaza, where resources are severely limited due to the ongoing blockade and military operations. The international community has repeatedly called for a ceasefire to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the safe evacuation of civilians.