Israeli Strikes Kill 15 at Gaza Hospital, Northern Gaza Issues Distress Call

At least 15 people were killed on November 20, 2024, in an Israeli airstrike on a hospital in Gaza, according to health officials in the region. The attack targeted a hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Medical sources confirmed that the victims included patients, hospital staff, and individuals seeking refuge at the facility. The strike also left dozens injured, with many in critical condition. Witnesses reported scenes of devastation as rescue teams struggled to retrieve bodies and assist the injured amid the rubble.

Meanwhile, officials in northern Gaza issued a distress call, warning of deteriorating conditions in the region as relentless bombardments continue. Local authorities highlighted shortages of essential supplies, including food, water, and medical resources, exacerbating the plight of civilians trapped in the ongoing conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its airstrikes are part of operations targeting Hamas militants in response to the group’s attacks on Israeli territory. The IDF reiterated its commitment to minimizing civilian casualties but accused Hamas of using civilian areas as shields for their operations.

The United Nations and international humanitarian organizations have raised alarms about the rising civilian death toll and the destruction of critical infrastructure in Gaza. They have called for immediate measures to protect non-combatants and ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid into the besieged region.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, urging both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue to end hostilities. “Civilians, especially women and children, continue to bear the brunt of this conflict. Immediate steps must be taken to halt this devastation,” he said.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and widespread displacement, further straining Gaza’s already fragile healthcare and humanitarian systems. As international efforts to broker a ceasefire falter, the crisis shows no signs of abating, leaving the global community deeply concerned about the human cost of the conflict.