An Israeli airstrike near a medical facility in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, including 10 children, according to local health authorities and humanitarian organizations. The incident occurred on October 24, 2023, in Deir al-Balah, as patients were reportedly queuing outside the clinic for medical treatment. The strike comes as negotiations for a ceasefire continue without a clear resolution in sight.
Video footage from the scene revealed harrowing images of bodies, including those of women and children, lying on the ground. Samah al-Nouri, mourning her daughter who was killed in the blast, described her as innocent, expressing disbelief at the violence. “She was only getting treatment in a medical facility. Why did they kill them?” al-Nouri questioned, highlighting the tragedy faced by families in the region.
According to the humanitarian group Project HOPE, the airstrike targeted a civilian area directly outside their Altayara health clinic, where patients were waiting for services to address malnutrition, infections, and chronic illnesses. The organization reported that in addition to the fatalities, many others were injured in the attack. Rabih Torbay, president of Project HOPE, expressed deep concern, stating, “This is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.”
The Israeli military has acknowledged the strike, asserting it targeted a Hamas militant involved in the October 2023 attacks. The military indicated that it was aware of reports regarding civilian casualties and would conduct a review of the incident. Despite this, local health authorities reported that the strike had killed 10 children and six adults.
Negotiations between Israeli and Hamas representatives are ongoing in Qatar, focusing on a proposed 60-day ceasefire and the release of hostages. A senior Israeli official indicated that an agreement is unlikely within the next week or two. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a more optimistic perspective, suggesting that progress has been made towards a potential deal.
In recent weeks, Israeli military operations have intensified, leading to significant casualties among Palestinians. Reports indicate that hundreds of civilians have died, and thousands have been injured, placing immense pressure on the limited medical facilities in Gaza.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Selmia, director of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, highlighted the dire conditions faced by hospitals struggling with dwindling fuel supplies. “We are forced to place four or five premature babies in one incubator,” he explained, illustrating the critical situation affecting vulnerable patients.
Despite claims from an Israeli military official that humanitarian fuel was allowed into Gaza in the days following the strike, the United Nations has stated that much more is needed to sustain essential services. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that the current supply is insufficient to support life-saving operations.
As international diplomatic efforts continue, U.S. President Donald Trump recently met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s demands for a ceasefire, which include the disarmament of Hamas and an end to its governance in Gaza.
The situation remains fluid, with considerable uncertainty surrounding the negotiations and the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring an end to the violence and suffering in the region.
