Power Outage During Israeli Raid on Gaza Hospital Results in Tragic Loss of Lives
In a devastating turn of events, at least five patients lost their lives due to a power outage during an Israeli raid on Nasser Hospital, the largest functioning hospital in southern Gaza. The incident occurred after a dayslong siege of the facility, where patients, doctors, and humanitarian aid groups had been describing a dire situation with dwindling supplies of food and water. Additionally, there were reports of snipers shooting civilians attempting to leave the area.
The Israeli military claims that Hamas had been using the hospital for military purposes, including hiding hostages taken captive on October 7. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, Israel’s chief military spokesperson, stated that intelligence suggested there may be bodies of hostages within the Nasser Hospital complex. On Friday, the Israeli military announced the discovery of mortar shells, grenades, and weapons in the facility. They also arrested over 20 militants who had participated in the October 7 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and triggered the war in Gaza.
The United Nations Human Rights Office condemned the raid on Nasser Hospital, stating that it appeared to be part of a pattern of attacks by Israeli forces on essential civilian infrastructure in Gaza, particularly hospitals. The agency cited similar raids in central and northern Gaza since the beginning of the war. U.N. human rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani expressed deep concern over the impact on civilians, stating, “With a nearly collapsed health system due to attacks on facilities and restrictions on essential humanitarian supplies, the impact on civilians is appalling.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israel is thoroughly planning future operations in Rafah, a border city that they claim is a Hamas stronghold. The White House also made an announcement, stating that President Joe Biden had signed a directive allowing Palestinian immigrants to stay in the United States for at least 18 months without the threat of deportation. This decision aims to provide temporary protection to Palestinian immigrants who would otherwise have to leave the country.
The Palestinian Red Crescent, an independent aid group, reported that the Israeli military had targeted the second floor of Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, causing severe damage to two nursing rooms. This attack occurred less than a week before the raid on Nasser Hospital.
In a separate incident, a shooting at a bus stop in southern Israel resulted in the deaths of at least two people and left four others wounded. The attacker, described as a Palestinian man from East Jerusalem, was fatally shot by an armed civilian who witnessed the incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, emphasizing that it serves as a reminder that the entire country is at risk. He vowed to continue fighting until complete victory and the restoration of security and peace for all citizens of Israel. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the act of terror.
In another development, the top U.N. court rejected South Africa’s request for urgent measures to protect Rafah but emphasized that Israel must comply with measures imposed last month in a genocide case. The International Court of Justice stated that the perilous situation in Gaza demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures previously ordered. The court also highlighted that Israel remains obligated to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and ensure the safety and security of Palestinians in Gaza.
Amidst these events, concerns are growing over a planned Israeli offensive in Rafah, which Israel claims is Hamas’ last stronghold. Humanitarian aid organizations warn that an invasion of the crowded border city would be devastating. The Biden administration has stated that it will not support any military operation unless there are practical plans in place to protect civilians. The head of U.N. emergency relief efforts, Martin Griffiths, has expressed concerns about a potential “slaughter” in Rafah, as there is no safe place for civilians to go due to the extensive destruction in the enclave.
In response to ongoing attacks by the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, the U.S. and Britain have launched numerous attacks on Houthi military assets in areas controlled by the group. The Houthi attacks have disrupted shipping routes and caused inflation in the price of goods. Egypt has also begun preparations for a potential influx of Palestinian civilians fleeing from Rafah. Satellite images show construction of a wall near the border with Gaza, signaling Egypt’s readiness for such a scenario.
In a phone call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu, they discussed ongoing hostage negotiations, the need for humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, and the importance of ensuring the safety and support of civilians in any military operation in Rafah. Netanyahu rejected international pressure for the creation of a Palestinian state, stating that it would reward terrorism and hinder future peace settlements.
As tensions continue to rise and the situation in Gaza remains dire, the international community is closely watching developments and urging all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilians and seek peaceful resolutions to the
