Smoke plumes billow from Israeli bombardment on the east of Gaza City AFP
The strike hit the Kuwaiti Field Hospital in the Muwasi area, where hundreds of thousands have sought shelter in sprawling tent camps. The wounded were all patients and medics, and two of the patients were in critical condition after the strike, said Saber Mohammed, a hospital spokesman.
The military has struck hospitals on several occasions during the 18-month war. Hospital staff have accused Israel of recklessly endangering civilians and gutting the territory's health system.
On Sunday, Israel struck the last major hospital providing critical care in northern Gaza after ordering an evacuation. A patient died during the evacuation, and the strike severely damaged the emergency room, pharmacy and surrounding buildings, according to Al-Ahli Hospital.
The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which runs the hospital, condemned the strike.
Israel said it targeted a Hamas command and control center within the facility, without providing evidence. Hamas denied the allegations.
The Israeli war on Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, killing over 51,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. That includes more than 1,600 people killed since Israel ended a ceasefire and resumed its offensive last month to pressure Hamas to accept changes to the agreement.
Hamas held 251 captives, fifty-nine of whom are still inside Gaza, and 24 are believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.
The ministry is led by medical professionals but reports to the Hamas-run government. Its toll is seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts.
Israel says it has killed some 20,000 militants, without providing evidence.
The Israeli offensive has destroyed much of the territory and displaced around 90% of the population of roughly 2 million Palestinians.
Short link: