Emmanuel OchayiIsraeli Military Responds to Gaza Airstrike Incident
An Israeli airstrike targeted a hospital courtyard in the Gaza Strip early Monday, leaving four people dead and dozens injured, according to Palestinian medical officials.
The strike caused a fire that devastated a tent camp sheltering displaced individuals. More than two dozen people suffered severe burns as a result.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Israeli military justified the attack, stating that the airstrike aimed to eliminate militants allegedly using civilian areas as shields.
A spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) explained, “We targeted a militant group operating from within a civilian site. The safety of civilians is always a concern, but Hamas militants are deliberately using these locations.” However, no specific evidence was presented to confirm the claim.
Gaza Residents Struggle Amid Rising Casualties
Palestinian officials at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah expressed their frustration, saying they were already overwhelmed by casualties from previous strikes.
READ ALSO: Israeli Airstrike On Gaza School Leaves 28 Dead, Dozens Injured
One medical worker described the situation as dire. “We can’t keep up with the number of injured. The hospital is overrun,” he stated.
This attack follows a previous strike on a nearby school-turned-shelter that killed at least 20 people, compounding the suffering in the area.
The fire from the hospital strike spread rapidly, damaging several tents and forcing residents to flee for their lives.
Concerns Over Civilian Sites
The use of civilian areas in the conflict has become a major concern, as multiple airstrikes have hit crowded shelters in recent months.
While Israel claims these sites are being used for military purposes by Hamas, local residents have criticised the high civilian toll.
A Gaza resident, who lost her home in the strike, lamented, “We are civilians. Where can we go to be safe? Every place is a target now.”
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
