Israel's Airstrike on Gaza's Last Major Hospital, the Only Christian Facility, Kills Child on Palm Sunday

Israel conducted an airstrike on the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, the last major functioning medical facility in the northern part of the territory, resulting in the death of a Palestinian child due to disrupted medical care. The attack, which occurred early Sunday, forced the evacuation of dozens of wounded individuals and hospital staff. The hospital, also known as the Baptist Hospital and the only Christian hospital in Gaza, was severely damaged, with its emergency room, laboratory, genetic laboratory, pharmacy, and emergency department destroyed. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a Hamas command and control center within the hospital, a claim denied by Hamas. The assault has drawn widespread international condemnation, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting the hospital is now out of service. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for an end to attacks on healthcare facilities and for the lifting of the Israeli blockade on Gaza. 50 patients were relocated, but 40 critical patients could not be moved. Several countries and organizations have condemned the attack, including Ireland, Jordan, Qatar, and the Muslim World League. The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem al-Quds, which operates the hospital, described the strike as occurring on Palm Sunday, a significant day in the Christian calendar. The incident has heightened concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the ongoing conflict severely impacting access to healthcare.