Israeli attack on Gaza hospital tent camp killed four people “alive”

At least four people have been killed, and dozens more injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a hospital complex in central Gaza, where displaced Palestinians had sought refuge from Israel’s ongoing military actions.

The airstrike, which occurred early Monday, struck the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital complex in Deir el-Balah, igniting a densely populated tent camp. Footage circulating on social media showed rescuers frantically working to pull people from the blaze.

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee claimed the strike targeted a “command and control center” used by Hamas, though no evidence was provided.

Medical facilities in Gaza have faced repeated strikes since the military operations began over a year ago, with Israel frequently claiming that armed groups are using shelters and tent sites for cover.

“We woke up to smoke, fire, and burning debris falling on the tents from all sides. The explosions were terrifying, both inside our tents and outside near Al-Aqsa Hospital,” said Om Ahmad Radi, a survivor, in an interview with Al Jazeera. “The fire trucks couldn’t reach us. Burned bodies were everywhere. The scale of destruction and the explosions was overwhelming. It was one of the most horrifying and brutal nights we have experienced.”

Volunteer surgeon Mohammad Tahir described treating patients with burns covering 60 to 80 percent of their bodies, many of whom are unlikely to survive. “Patients with such severe burns—unfortunately, their outcome is grim. They won’t even make it to the ICU,” he told Al Jazeera.

Hospital records confirmed four deaths and 40 injuries, according to the Associated Press. Twenty-five of the most severely burned were transferred to Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, as reported by the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.

Gaza’s Media Office noted that this marks the seventh time this year that Israeli forces have struck the Al-Aqsa Hospital grounds, with the third such attack in recent weeks killing Palestinians displaced from their homes.

News Credit: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/14/burned-and-charred-bodies-as-israel-hits-tents-at-central-gaza-hospital