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| Ibtihal al-Ra'i escaped the Israeli attack on October 17 at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City with her children, and said she had to step over mutilated and burned body parts |
In the heart of Gaza City, a horrifying incident unfolded at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, leaving survivors with chilling stories to recount. The morning after the attack, the scene was a haunting tableau – stains of tragedy marked the cement and grass, scattered bedding told of a restless night, fragments of glass glinted amid shattered paving blocks, and the twisted remains of vehicles bore witness to a night of horror.
Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, an institution with over a century of dedicated service to its community, became an impromptu sanctuary for nearly three thousand people. These fortunate souls had narrowly escaped missile attacks in other parts of Gaza and sought refuge in the garden courtyard and upper floors of the hospital building. Tragically, the brutal attack on the previous night resulted in the loss of at least 500 lives.
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| About 3,000 people had taken refuge at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, escaping the intense Israeli aerial bombardment that began on October 7. |
Mohammed al-Nageh, the hospital's director of programs and coordination, expressed his profound grief, saying, "What unfolded is an immense tragedy. This hospital, with its distinguished history of over 140 years, fell victim to an exceptionally brutal attack, leading to the loss of over 500 innocent lives."
The aftermath saw a frantic influx of ambulances and private cars, transporting hundreds of casualties to al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza City. However, al-Shifa Hospital was already overwhelmed, struggling to accommodate the surge of patients from previous attacks during Israel's intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
Ashraf al-Qidra, the spokesperson for Gaza's health ministry, described the injuries as severe. Some victims suffered grievous injuries. Tragically, a significant portion of those affected were women and children. Health officials issued a somber warning, stating that the death toll was expected to rise.
In the midst of this chaos, Ibtihal al-Raii shared her terrifying experience. She had been on the hospital's second floor with other families and children during the attack. "We saw the bright light of the missile," she recounted. "In the next moment, we were living a nightmare. Shattered glass rained down on us, and I instinctively shielded the children. When we ran outside, we were met with a distressing sight – injured individuals, and chaos everywhere. It left us bewildered, and we wondered where the Arab world was during our time of need."
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| The attack targeted the hospital grounds, where many civilians were taking shelter. |
Understanding the Context
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| Israel's intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip has not stopped after the deadly hospital attack, as Palestinians face a deepening humanitarian crisis with aid still not allowed into the besieged enclave. |
To comprehend the full scope of the tragedy that befell Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, one must grasp the broader context in which this incident occurred. The hospital, with its long-standing history, has played a pivotal role in providing essential healthcare services to the community in Gaza. Over the years, it has become a symbol of resilience, serving as a refuge for those in need.
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| Health officials said most of the victims of the attack were women and children and warned the death toll is expected to rise. |
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
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| Israel has attributed the explosion to a misfired rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad armed group - the group categorically denied this. |
Gaza has been grappling with a protracted humanitarian crisis, characterized by a lack of access to basic necessities and essential services. Prolonged conflicts, political tensions, and blockades have compounded the challenges faced by the people of Gaza, leaving them vulnerable to unpredictable acts of violence and instability.
The assault on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital not only shook the foundations of healthcare in Gaza but also drew international attention to the dire situation faced by the Palestinian population. The incident served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a lasting resolution to the conflict.
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| Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City has been helping people for more than 140 years. |
International Response
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| The hospital was one of 20 in the north of the Gaza Strip under Israeli military evacuation orders, which doctors and health officials pointed out is impossible to do given the dire situation. |
The international community, including various humanitarian organizations and governments, expressed their concern and condemnation of the attack on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital. Calls for an independent investigation into the incident emerged as the world sought answers and accountability for the tragic loss of life.
The incident underscored the critical importance of humanitarian efforts in the region and served as a catalyst for renewed discussions on a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict.
The Aftermath: Rebuilding Lives
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| Health officials said some of the victims were decapitated, disemboweled or were missing limbs |
In the wake of this tragedy, the survivors, healthcare workers, and first responders have displayed remarkable resilience. The Gaza community came together to support one another in their time of need, demonstrating the unwavering human spirit in the face of adversity.
Efforts to rebuild Al-Ahli Arab Hospital and provide comprehensive care to the survivors and those in need have been ongoing. The hospital's enduring commitment to the well-being of the community persists, despite the challenges it has faced.
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| The 12-day war on the blockaded Gaza Strip has internally displaced an estimated one million Palestinians, who say there is no safe place to go. |
The attack on Al-Ahli Arab Hospital remains a somber chapter in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of this longstanding conflict, it is imperative that the international community remains vigilant in its efforts to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza and work towards a lasting resolution.
The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for peace, stability, and the safeguarding of essential services such as healthcare. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that incidents like these do not recur, and that the people of Gaza can finally look forward to a future free from fear and violence.
