Patients were evacuated from Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, also known as the Baptist Hospital, in Gaza City after an Israeli airstrike hit the facility on Sunday. The civil defence agency in Gaza said the strike came just minutes after the Israeli army issued a warning to evacuate the building. The blast reportedly destroyed the surgery unit and an oxygen generation station for the intensive care units. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Al-Ahli has been hit previously during the ongoing war, including a deadly explosion in its car park in October 2023 that killed scores. While Hamas and Islamic Jihad blamed Israel for that blast, Israel denied involvement and the US later supported Israel’s claim that the explosion was caused by a misfired rocket from Islamic Jihad.
Israel to Expand Offensive in Gaza
The latest airstrike comes amid escalating military operations. Israel announced plans to expand its offensive after seizing control of the Morag axis, a new corridor between Rafah and Khan Younis, effectively enlarging a security zone that already includes the Netzarim corridor.
READ MORE: Massive Investment to Boost Housing Affordability and Home Ownership
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military would intensify operations across most of Gaza and urged civilians to evacuate combat zones. “Now is the time to rise up, remove Hamas, and release all the Israeli hostages. This is the only way to stop the war,” Katz declared.
The move followed reports that Hamas representatives were preparing for ceasefire negotiations in Cairo, raising hopes for potential progress toward ending the conflict.
Humanitarian Conditions Worsen
According to the World Health Organization, only 22 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional. Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel that left over 1,200 people dead, Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed over 50,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The United Nations has warned that the forced evacuations and continuing strikes are creating conditions that may lead to the “forcible transfer” of Palestinians—raising concerns over the long-term viability of Palestinian communities in Gaza.
Israeli Military Strategy Draws Criticism
Israel’s continued blockade on food, fuel, and aid has drawn condemnation from international aid organizations, which say civilians are suffering from severe shortages. The Rafah municipality labelled Israel’s latest actions a “flagrant breach of international legitimacy.”
In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that military pressure, including expanded control over southern corridors like Morag and Philadelphi, is essential to securing the release of remaining hostages, 24 of whom are believed to still be alive.
Mounting Civilian Casualties
On Sunday alone, Israeli strikes reportedly killed 32 people, including women and children, in Khan Younis and Jabaliya. The strikes targeted residential areas and homes, including the house of journalist Islam Meqdad.
Amid Passover celebrations, Israeli citizens rallied in Tel Aviv calling for the release of hostages. Protesters emphasized the emotional toll of the ongoing war, with many saying they could not celebrate while hostages remain in captivity.
Hamas Delegation Departs for Ceasefire Talks
Despite the ongoing violence, diplomatic efforts continue. A Hamas official confirmed that a delegation had departed for Cairo to engage with Egyptian and Qatari mediators. The group stated it is open to any proposals that guarantee a permanent ceasefire, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a comprehensive prisoner exchange deal.
As military operations and diplomatic negotiations proceed in parallel, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with medical infrastructure in ruins, supplies dwindling, and civilians caught in the crossfire.
