WHO Condemns Strike Near Gaza Hospital
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has condemned an Israeli strike near Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, renewing calls for medical facilities and supplies to be protected.
Israeli Strike Damages Gaza Medical Supplies
The August 1 strike destroyed two medical storage warehouses near Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. The facilities reportedly contained essential medicines and equipment, including dialysis supplies and materials delivered by the WHO.
Hospital officials said parts of the medical complex were also damaged, although no immediate casualties were reported at the facility. Evacuation warnings were issued before the attack, while nearby tents sheltering displaced Palestinians were also affected.
Tedros said healthcare facilities must never be attacked or militarised. He called for the protection of medical infrastructure as Gaza’s remaining hospitals continue operating with limited medicines, equipment, electricity and personnel.
Israel Says Hamas Sites Targeted
The Israeli military said its strikes targeted Hamas operatives and a weapons storage facility located near the hospital. Palestinian health authorities maintained that the destroyed warehouses stored medical supplies needed for treating patients.
Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of operating from civilian locations, including areas near hospitals. Hamas and Palestinian health officials have denied using medical facilities for military operations.
Gaza Healthcare Attacks Near 1,000
The WHO has documented nearly 1,000 attacks affecting healthcare in Gaza since October 2023. The incidents have damaged hospitals, clinics, ambulances and medical infrastructure while causing more than 1,000 deaths and approximately 1,700 injuries.
All 36 hospitals in Gaza have reportedly suffered damage, and only about half remain partially operational. Gaza health authorities say Israeli military operations have killed more than 73,000 Palestinians and wounded over 174,000 since the conflict began. Their figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
