Child killed after Israeli air strike hits Gaza hospital
- An Israeli missile strike targeted Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza on April 13, 2025, leading to the death of a child.
- The air strike caused extensive damage and struck shortly after Israeli forces warned civilians to evacuate.
- The attack has drawn international condemnation and highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
On April 13, 2025, an Israeli air strike targeted Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital, one of the few remaining functioning medical facilities in the area. The strike resulted in the death of a child and extensive destruction to hospital infrastructure, including the emergency room, laboratory, and pharmacy. The attack came shortly after Israeli forces issued a warning for civilians to evacuate, leading to widespread panic among patients and medical staff. Eyewitnesses reported a massive explosion that left many individuals stranded in the streets, with the hospital being one of the last safe havens. This incident occurred amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hamas, following a surge in violence that reignited after a ceasefire was broken in March 2025. Israeli officials warned that they would intensify their military operations if Hamas did not release hostages, contributing to a climate of fear. Hamas condemned the air strike as a 'savage crime', calling attention to the suffering endured by civilians in ongoing conflicts. As military operations escalated, both Israeli and Palestinian officials criticized the continued targeting of critical infrastructure, including hospitals, which are protected under international humanitarian law. Global responses have varied, with several countries and human rights organizations condemning the attacks and calling for accountability and protection of civilians. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports indicating severe casualties and a growing humanitarian crisis. The imminent threat of more air strikes has led to mass evacuations, further complicating the already precarious living conditions for the residents of Gaza. The overall death toll from the conflict has reached alarming numbers, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire and renewed dialogue between the parties involved.