Daijiworld Media Network – Gaza
Gaza, Apr 15: An Israeli airstrike on Tuesday hit the northern gate of the Kuwaiti Field Hospital in the Gaza Strip, killing a medic and injuring nine others, including both patients and medical staff. The strike occurred in the Muwasi area, where large numbers of civilians have taken shelter amidst the ongoing war. Israel's relentless bombings and raids on hospitals throughout Gaza have drawn accusations of recklessly endangering civilians and devastating the region's already fragile health system. Hospital staff maintain that these strikes are unjustified, while Israel claims that Hamas militants have used hospitals for military purposes.
The latest casualties bring the total death toll in Gaza to over 51,000, according to the territory's Health Ministry. The situation has worsened after Israel resumed military operations following a ceasefire breakdown. Since the resumption of hostilities last month, Israel has blocked all humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, from entering Gaza, while continuing to seize vast portions of the coastal region.
The war's roots trace back to the October 7, 2023, attack by Palestinian militants on southern Israel, which led to the deaths of over 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and the abduction of 251 others. Currently, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive.
Meanwhile, international pressure for a ceasefire has intensified. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for renewed humanitarian aid and the release of hostages, proposing the recognition of a Palestinian state by June. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly opposed this, calling the creation of a Palestinian state a "huge reward for terrorism" that would only strengthen militant forces near Israeli cities.
The situation in Lebanon has also remained volatile. According to the United Nations, at least 71 civilians have died from Israeli airstrikes since the November 27 ceasefire with Hezbollah. These strikes have targeted what Israel claims are Hezbollah facilities, but have also hit civilian infrastructure, further inflaming tensions in the region.