28 medical workers killed since Gaza bombing began: Palestinian Health Ministry

By Awad Al-Rjoub

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - Palestinian Health Minister Mai Alkaila said Saturday the Israeli army has killed 28 medical workers in the Gaza Strip with its continuous shelling of the enclave since Oct. 7.

In addition to dozens of health care workers who have also been injured, “15 medical centers suffered damage due to Israeli shelling. Additionally, Beit Hanoun Hospital and Al-Durrah Children's Hospital ceased providing services, and 23 ambulance vehicles were also incapacitated,” she said. "Israeli occupying forces daily threaten the evacuation of Gaza hospitals, a clear threat to the lives of hundreds of patients and the injured, including Al-Durrah Children's Hospital, which was evacuated yesterday after being targeted with internationally prohibited white phosphorus bombs, and Beit Hanoun Hospital, which also halted operations due to Israeli shelling."

Alkaila reiterated her appeal "to the international community, the United Nations, human rights organizations, and international humanitarian entities to urgently provide protection for hospitals, treatment facilities, ambulance vehicles, healthcare workers, patients, and the injured who face Israeli shelling daily."

Israeli forces launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip one a week ago in response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.

The conflict began last Saturday when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea and air.

Hamas said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.

More than 3,500 people have been killed since the outbreak of the conflict Oct. 7, including 2,215 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala