Israeli shelling claims dozens of lives near Gaza hospital
Israeli shelling near a southern Gaza hospital has resulted in the loss of 41 lives over the past two days, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. The intensification of Israeli attacks in the center and south of the besieged territory has led to an estimated 100,000 additional displaced people in the already-crowded city of Rafah.
The UN humanitarian office reports a surge in displaced individuals around Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis. Meanwhile, a high-level Hamas delegation is set to meet with Egyptian officials in Cairo on Friday to discuss a new proposal aimed at ending the nearly three-month-long conflict.
The Palestinian Red Crescent condemned the Israeli shelling near Khan Yunis’ Al-Amal hospital, stating that it resulted in the death of ten people and injuries to at least 21 others. This followed a previous attack in front of the hospital that claimed 31 lives. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry later reported Israeli shelling killing 20 people, mostly women and children, at the Shaboura camp in Rafah.
The conflict, initiated by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, has left much of Gaza in ruins, with the battlefront shifting southward. Israel’s commitment to destroy Hamas in retaliation has led to approximately 1,140 deaths, primarily civilians, according to AFP’s tally.
The ongoing Israeli aerial bombardment and ground invasion have resulted in over 21,320 casualties, predominantly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel, in turn, has reported 167 soldiers killed in the fight against Hamas.
As the situation continues to escalate, a Hamas delegation is set to provide observations on an Egyptian ceasefire plan in Cairo. The plan outlines renewable ceasefires, a phased release of hostages held by Hamas, and the establishment of a Palestinian government of technocrats responsible for governing and rebuilding post-war Gaza. Egypt’s Diaa Rashwan emphasized the plan’s aim to unite all concerned parties and end the tragic loss of Palestinian lives.
