Israeli Forces Storm Kamal Adwan Hospital Amid Escalating Violence
In a significant escalation of violence in Gaza, Israeli occupation forces stormed the besieged Kamal Adwan Hospital early this morning. Reports indicate that the forces called on patients to evacuate to the courtyard as they conducted operations within the hospital premises. This incident comes amid a broader military operation that has seen 28 Palestinians martyred due to Israeli bombardments targeting residential areas in the Al-Manara region, south of Khan Yunis.
The Civil Defense spokesman in Gaza reported that over 150 patients and medical staff are currently trapped inside the hospital. The ongoing bombardment has resulted in injuries among the medical personnel, and the windows of patient rooms have been shattered. Tragically, several children lost their lives when the hospital's main oxygen station was struck during the shelling.
Civilian Casualties and Destruction in Khan Yunis
The violence did not stop at the hospital. Eyewitness accounts from Al Jazeera's correspondent reveal that Israeli forces executed a ground incursion supported by air and artillery fire in the Al-Manara area. This operation led to the deaths of 28 individuals, with additional casualties reported from bombings in the Qizan Al-Najjar area, where two Palestinians were killed, and injuries were sustained by others. Another artillery shelling in the Maan area also resulted in three fatalities and injuries.
The situation has been described as a 'big massacre' by local authorities, who reported that Israeli forces blew up 11 homes in the Jabalia camp, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands of residents are now trapped, as the forces have surrounded areas in Beit Lahia and Jabalia camp. The death toll from the ongoing military operations in these regions has reached approximately 820 over the past 20 days.
Rising Tensions and Extremist Actions
In a related development, the Anatolia Agency reported that a group of right-wing extremists attempted to breach the security barrier between Israel and Gaza. While the Israeli army intervened to prevent their entry, several individuals were arrested during the incident. This act of defiance adds to the already tense atmosphere in the region, as both sides grapple with the repercussions of the ongoing conflict.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community watches closely, with growing calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to those affected by the violence.
