Israeli strike kills 5 journalists in Gaza, as aggression ensues

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
26 Dec 2024 04:08

Israeli occupation forces detonated nearly 10 UGVs near the Kamal Adwan Hospital, damaging the only remaining medical center in the northern Gaza Strip.

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Bodies of victims of an Israeli airstrike at the Nuseirat refugee camp are prepared for the funeral prayer outside the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on December 21, 2024. (AP)

Israeli attacks and strikes targeted several areas in the Gaza Strip, including the vicinity of the Kamal Adwan Hospital, overnight on Thursday.

Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that more than 40 people are trapped under piles of rubble resulting from a strike that targeted a home in the al-Zaytoun neighborhood, in Gaza City.

Israeli ground forces also fired their weapons and detonated explosives in southern al-Zaytoun. In the Jabalia refugee camp and Beit Lahia, several buildings were completely demolished by occupation forces. A doctor was also critically injured in the Kamal Adwan Hospital after Israeli forces directed an explosive-laden unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) toward the vicinity of the hospital.

In the central Gaza Strip, Israeli aircraft struck a broadcasting vehicle operated by Al-Quds Channel near the al-Awda Hospital, in the Nuseirat refugee camp. As a result of the Israeli attack, five journalists were martyred. Civil Defense teams were able to recover their bodies, which are being prepared for burial.

Hossam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, confirmed that this night had been one of the most harrowing and difficult the hospital and its surrounding area have ever faced.

"The situation is still terrifying. We are currently facing tanks very close to us, and every few minutes, gunfire is directed at Kamal Adwan Hospital," he said.

Abu Safia further revealed that Israeli forces had detonated around ten bomb-laden UGVs, most of them near the hospital, causing widespread destruction. The explosions damaged all doors, internal barriers, and windows, with some walls in the hospital

He urgently appealed to the international community to step in and protect the healthcare system, workers, and patients, emphasizing that the relentless bombing had continued through the night. He stressed that "The situation has become unbearable," adding that "Despite our pleas to the world for help, we have not received any assistance so far."

As of the latest figures from the Ministry of Health in Gaza, the death toll from the ongoing Israeli aggression since October 7, 2023, has risen to 45,361 martyrs, with 107,803 wounded.