Israeli tanks cause destruction at Gaza hospital amid ongoing conflict

In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli military forces have targeted Al-Awda Hospital located in the Tel al-Zaatar area, resulting in significant damage to the facility. This attack occurred on Thursday, May 21, 2025, and was reported by Palestinian hospital officials who confirmed that Israeli tanks and drones fired upon the hospital, igniting fires and destroying outpatient clinics. The Israeli military acknowledged that its forces were operating close to the hospital and permitted emergency workers to respond to the fire, although they did not provide clarity on the cause of the blaze, stating ‘the circumstances of the fire are still under review’. This incident has prompted increasing pressure on Israel from its international allies, especially following a prolonged blockade that has raised famine warnings in Gaza. Reports indicate that humanitarian aid has been insufficient, with claims from the United Nations highlighting that the level of aid allowed into the region is far below what is necessary to meet the basic needs of the population. The Israeli military agency responsible for transferring aid has declared that there is no food shortage currently in Gaza, despite the concerns raised by the U.N. regarding malnutrition and food insecurity among the population. With significant damage inflicted, Al-Awda Hospital’s situation reflects the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where medical facilities struggle to operate amid ongoing violence. According to health officials, complications during pregnancy have surged, with statistics showing that over 12% of pregnancies have resulted in miscarriages. This alarming trend highlights the dire conditions faced by those in Gaza, particularly pregnant women, amidst the continuing hostilities. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has publicly criticized the military operations in Gaza, asserting that international pressure, particularly from U.S. President Donald Trump, is necessary to halt the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the expense of continuing military actions without a clear purpose or outcome, which poses significant risks to civilians and to Israeli soldiers alike. The cycle of violence and destruction is compounded by the recurring military operations and tensions, leaving a devastating toll on both the physical infrastructure and the health of the civilian population in Gaza.