An Israeli airstrike hit Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City early Sunday, leading to the evacuation of patients as bombardments intensified throughout the Gaza Strip.
The pre-dawn attack came after an evacuation warning from Israeli forces, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The ministry said one patient died during the evacuation due to the lack of immediate medical assistance.
The hospital, affiliated with the Diocese of Jerusalem, was targeted on Palm Sunday, a Christian holiday marking Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
Later the same day, another Israeli strike hit a vehicle in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, killing at least seven people, according to morgue staff at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where the bodies were taken.
The Israeli military stated it had targeted a Hamas command and control center at the hospital used for planning and executing operations against Israeli civilians and soldiers. It said that precautions were taken beforehand, including warnings, precision weaponry, and aerial surveillance.
These strikes followed remarks by Israel’s defense minister, who said military operations across Gaza would accelerate and urged civilians to leave areas of conflict. On Saturday, Israel also announced it had completed the Morag corridor, effectively isolating Rafah from the rest of Gaza. The military said it would soon intensify operations throughout the territory.
Israeli officials have maintained that military pressure will continue until Hamas agrees to release the remaining 59 hostages — 24 of whom are believed to be alive — and accepts revised ceasefire proposals.
Dr. Fadel Naim, the director of Al-Ahli Hospital, said they received prior warning before the attack. He shared on X that the emergency room, pharmacy, and surrounding buildings were heavily damaged, affecting more than 100 patients and dozens of staff.
The health ministry added that the strike destroyed the outpatient and laboratory wings, and damaged the emergency unit.
While medical facilities are generally protected under international law, Israel’s campaign in Gaza has included repeated attacks on hospitals, which it claims are being used by Hamas for military purposes. Israel has previously besieged and raided several hospitals and struck many others during the conflict.
Last month, Israel targeted Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the largest hospital in southern Gaza, killing two people, injuring others, and igniting a large fire, according to the health ministry. The strike occurred during a surprise air assault that ended a temporary ceasefire.
The ongoing war began after Hamas launched a deadly attack on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and capturing about 250 hostages. Some hostages have since been released through ceasefire agreements.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory campaign. The ministry does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, but says more than half of the casualties are women and children.