TNA Staff
The New Arab / April 13, 2025
An Israeli airstrike early on Sunday targeted the emergency and reception wing of the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, commonly known as the Baptist Hospital, in central Gaza City, throwing the facility completely out of service.
The bombing forced dozens of patients, including those in critical condition, into the streets. At least one child reportedly died during the evacuation.
The hospital, already operating under extreme conditions, was a vital point of care in the enclave, where health infrastructure has been systematically dismantled during over six months of Israeli bombardment.
Israel has deliberately destroyed 34 hospitals across the Strip as part of what it described as a “systematic plan” to eliminate Gaza’s healthcare system, according to Gaza’s media office.
Hamas condemned the bombing as a “new war crime”, accusing the Israeli military of committing “brutal atrocities” with US support.
The Israeli strike came as forces issued new forced expulsion orders targeting neighbourhoods in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza and southern Khan Younis. Palestinians from several areas, including Al-Iman, Al-Taqwa, Al-Basateen, Al-Zahraa, Al-Bawadi, and Al-Nuzha, were forced to evacuate ahead of deadly attacks.
As the death toll on the ground surpasses at least 61,700 killed and over 115,00 wounded, a Hamas delegation is in Cairo participating in ceasefire talks mediated by Egypt.
Israel claims responsibility of Deir al-Balah strike
The Israeli military and internal intelligence agency Shin Bet claimed responsibility for an airstrike in central Gaza on Sunday, stating it targeted a Hamas “command and control centre” in Deir al-Balah.
In a statement, Israeli forces said the site was being used by Hamas fighters allegedly planning operations, and that “many terrorists” were present during the strike. They added that military operations were ongoing across the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that three people were killed and several others injured when a building was hit in the same area. Local sources have not confirmed the identities of the victims.
Wounded die under rubble as rescue blocked by Israeli siege
Gaza’s Civil Defence has warned that scores of wounded civilians have died trapped beneath the rubble of their homes due to Israel’s ongoing blockade on vital rescue equipment.
“Many wounded have been killed under the rubble of their homes, which the occupation destroyed over their heads without prior warning,” the agency said in a statement shared on its Telegram channel.
The group, which has seen many of its responders killed in Israeli strikes, said teams were unable to reach victims in time in areas like Shujayea, Abasan, Rafah, and Deir al-Balah, where they could hear cries for help from beneath collapsed buildings – but lacked the tools to save them.
“Now, they are nothing but missing bodies,” the statement read. “We still wonder: When will the death in the Gaza Strip stop? And how long will this international failure continue?”
Jerusalem church ‘appalled’ by Israeli strike on Al-Ahli
The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem has condemned a recent Israeli strike on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza.
In a statement, the Diocese said the strike destroyed the hospital’s two-storey Genetic Laboratory, damaged its pharmacy and emergency department buildings, and caused further destruction to surrounding structures, including St Philip the Evangelist Chapel.
“The Diocese of Jerusalem is appalled,” the statement read, noting that the latest attack occurred on Palm Sunday, as Christians around the world marked the beginning of Holy Week.
Church leaders called on the international community to act urgently, urging “all governments and people of goodwill to intervene to stop all kinds of attacks on medical and humanitarian institutions.”
PIJ: Israel escalating ‘criminal war’ on Gaza’s hospitals
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) has accused Israel of deliberately escalating what it calls a “criminal war” against civilians in Gaza, following last night’s strike on Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City.
The group said Israeli forces issued warnings to sow panic before bombing the facility “in the dead of night”, as patients and displaced families sheltered inside. “This heinous aggression is part of a systematic campaign against hospitals, schools, shelters, and tents for the displaced,” PIJ said in a statement.
It described the attack as part of a broader “war of extermination” and placed full responsibility on the United States for enabling Israel’s actions. “The silence of the international community has turned Gaza into a graveyard for law and humanity,” the group added.
Gaza Health Ministry condemns Israel’s attack on Al-Ahli
Gaza’s Health Ministry has issued a strong condemnation following Israel’s overnight strike on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital.
In a statement, the ministry said Israeli forces “bombed and destroyed” a building within the hospital compound, forcing the evacuation of patients and medical teams.
“We call on international institutions and relevant authorities to protect the health sector in accordance with international laws and agreements,” the ministry added.
Without evidence, Israel alleges Hamas presence in hospital
The Israeli military has invoked its usual justification for targeting Gaza’s last operational hospital in the north.
In a statement issued without presenting any evidence, the military said it had coordinated with the Shin Bet internal security agency to strike the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, alleging it was being used by Hamas to “plan and carry out terrorist operations”.
Once again, it accused Hamas of using civilians and civilian infrastructure as cover for its activities.
Under international humanitarian law, medical facilities, including hospitals, are protected from attack. This protection also extends to the wounded and sick, as well as to medical staff and transport vehicles.
Three patients killed after in Al-Ahli Hospital strike
Three critically ill patients, including a 12-year-old boy with a head injury, died after being forcibly evacuated from Al-Ahli Arab Hospital following an Israeli strike that left the facility out of service.
Emergency doctor Razan al-Nahhas, speaking from Deir al-Balah said: “He was on oxygen, as were the two others. The family walked with them to a small nearby hospital that simply couldn’t handle the influx. They arrived dead.”
Al-Nahhas said many patients remain scattered across the streets, some attempting to reach Al-Shifa Hospital on foot. “I can’t even imagine the chaos,” she said. “So many won’t make it. Many of those who were at al-Ahli had severe injuries, and now they’re out there, with nowhere to go.”
Hamas: ‘Green light from Washington’ behind hospital strike
Following Israel’s destruction of the Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, Hamas has issued a statement calling the attack a “war crime” and blaming the United States for providing a “green light” for Israel’s continued targeting of civilian infrastructure.
“This savage crime once again proves we are dealing with a rogue entity that operates outside all international laws and norms,” the Palestinian group said in a statement.
Israeli airstrike destroys Gaza City’s Baptist Hospital
Israeli warplanes struck Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, commonly referred to as the Baptist Hospital, early this morning, destroying the reception and emergency ward.
The facility has been put out of service, forcing patients and medics into the surrounding streets.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and despair as critical patients lay exposed on the cold pavement, with at least one child reported dead following the evacuation.
This marks yet another blow to Gaza’s already decimated healthcare system. Gaza’s Government Media Office says 34 hospitals have now been deliberately targeted and shut down by Israeli forces since the beginning of the war.
