A deadly Israeli airstrike in Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 15 Palestinians, including eight children and two women. The strike was on the exterior of a clinic in central Gaza, where the target of these victims was in the process of queuing to obtain the necessary nutritional supplement.
The sad scenario took place in Deir al-Balah city, the central Gaza Strip. The report by Project Hope, an American aid group that operates the clinic, illustrates the attack as an explicit crime against international law. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), it is assumed that the strike was aimed at a Hamas operative as he was a member of Hamas elite Nukhba forces. Although the Israeli military noted regretting the number of civilian deaths, the current dispute continues gaining momentum.
What happened in the Altayara clinic in Gaza?
On a Thursday morning, other patients were assembled outside the Altayara health clinic in Deir al-Balah, hopeful to obtain help against malnutrition, infections, and chronic diseases. There was a sound of a drone in the air as they were observing the queue, followed by a deafening explosion. Those who survived the shooting said that it was a scene of confusion, with blood and screams in the air.
One of the bombing witnesses, Yousef al-Ayd, described the moment as follows: “The earth was shaking under our feet, and everything around transformed to blood and strident shouts.” The horror of the aftermath was proven by the video footage shared on social media that showed several adults and children lying on the ground, with some of them in critical condition and others not moving at all. Here is the link to our article on Gaza Returnees’ Devastation
What Was the International Organization’s Response?
The attack has been criticized by international humanitarian groups such as UNICEF and Project Hope. In a statement by Rabih Torbay, the CEO of Project Hope, the clinic constituted a safe ground for families in need of medical services and striking in the region was a direct violation of international humanitarian law.
According to UNICEF Catherine Russell, losses of families who tried to reach life-saving assistance were unconscionable. She highlighted the necessity of the urgent protection of the territory belonging to cyber cyberspaces of civilians and hospitals.
What Is the Effect of Continued Violence in Gaza?
Israel and Hamas have caused a lot of destruction in Gaza. Since Israeli troops started military activities on October 7, 2023, over 57,000 Palestinians have already been killed as of now. The area has also undergone food, fuel, and medical supplies shortages in serious proportions. Over 90 percent of the Gazans have been displaced by the attacks, most of the residential houses damaged and the important infrastructural base in shambles.
The military reaction by Israel to the surprise of an attack on southern Israel by Hamas in October has resulted in the negotiation of a ceasefire because Israel and Hamas still have some main differences. Negotiations are undergoing mediation in Doha but reaching an agreement can last several weeks. Here is the link to our article on Gaza Strikes Kill Dozens
Will a Ceasefire Deal be Achieved in the Near Future?
Some major uphill battles still dog the scenes as ceasefire negotiations progress. Israeli officials have said that an agreement will require one or two weeks to be reached with Israel wanting Hamas to disarm as one of the conditions of any deal. Conversely, Hamas has insisted on a comprehensive deal which included both humanitarian assistance and bite to put an end to hostilities.
In the meantime, the EU had been cooperating with Israel to have more aid crossings opened, but even this has not been happening too fast. The UN a few days ago sent their first delivery of fuel to Gaza after four months but they cautioned that the quantity given was not large enough to be able to cater to the daily needs of the population.
Final Thoughts: The Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Israeli airstrike that killed 15 Palestinians outside a clinic underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The cry of accountability and protection of civilians internationally is louder, and the need to broker a ceasefire is still facing impediments. The loss of innocent lives, and especially children, makes a sharp contrast and emphasizes that the permanent solution is developing lasting peace and following international humanitarian law.
