GAZA — The Israeli military officially announced the beginning of the “second phase” of its plan to seize Gaza City. The attack began with 140 air attacks across Gaza’s biggest urban centre over the past 24 hours. The effect on civilians has been immeasurable.
We’ve seen extensive destruction as far as the eye can see, and people who are still there are bearing the brunt.
Medical reports point to a grim and desperate reality. At least 12 Palestinians have been killed since dawn, and that number is expected to rise as emergency calls are made to civil defence teams to help people stuck under the rubble. Residential neighbourhoods have been flattened.
Israel is now operating in densely populated urban areas in Gaza City, with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians trapped there. A person we spoke to has said the intensity of bombardment is unprecedented.
Children’s Hospital Attacked
The Health Ministry in Gaza in a statement has condemned an Israeli strike on the al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital in war-battered Gaza City.
The medical facility was struck three consecutive times, the statement reads. At least 40 patients are believed to have fled the hospital, while 40 stayed behind with some staff.
The ministry has called on “all concerned parties to provide protection for health institutions, medical staff and patients in Gaza governorate”.
Source: Al Jazeera
