United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep alarm over an Israeli strike on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, further exacerbating an already fragile healthcare system in the region. The attack, which took place on Sunday, severely damaged the hospital’s emergency department and other facilities, intensifying concerns over the dwindling availability of medical supplies, food, and water.
Guterres’ spokesperson reiterated the importance of protecting civilians and medical facilities under international humanitarian law. “Wounded and sick, medical personnel, and medical facilities, including hospitals, must be respected and protected,” the statement emphasized.
According to medics, two Israeli missiles struck the hospital, rendering parts of it non-operational. Israel has defended its actions, stating that the strike was aimed at Hamas fighters allegedly exploiting the facility. Prior to the attack, hospital officials received a phone call from someone identifying as Israeli security, prompting the evacuation of patients.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened since Israel blocked the entry of aid trucks on March 2. The blockade followed stalled negotiations over a broken truce, with Israel resuming military operations on March 18. As a result, no new humanitarian supplies have reached the enclave in over a month, further straining essential resources.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims that 25,000 aid trucks entered Gaza during a 42-day ceasefire, alleging that Hamas repurposed the assistance to rebuild its military capabilities—an accusation that Hamas has denied.
With tensions escalating and the humanitarian situation deteriorating, calls for urgent intervention and renewed dialogue continue to grow, as global leaders monitor the unfolding crisis.
