A recent airstrike in the central Gaza city of Deir Al Balah claimed the lives of 15 civilians, including eight children, according to local health officials. The victims were reportedly gathered outside a health clinic when the attack occurred. Among the dead were also three women and four men. Medical sources at the Aqsa Martyrs Hospital confirmed the tragic toll, stating that the youngest child killed was just 17 months old and the oldest was 14.
The incident happened on Thursday as people waited near a medical facility that dispensed food aid and children’s formula. The health center had become a vital source of relief for families struggling with malnutrition and lack of access to basic healthcare in the war-torn region.
Children Caught in the Crossfire
One of the victims, 17-month-old Mohammad, was with his mother Donia Halhoul, who said she had brought him and his siblings to the clinic to receive nutritional supplements. Speaking from a hospital bed, Donia shared the heartbreak of losing her toddler, who had just begun speaking his first words. Her nine-year-old daughter remains in critical condition due to the blast.
Project HOPE, a U.S.-based humanitarian organization, confirmed the strike occurred directly in front of one of its clinics, where individuals were lining up for treatment related to malnutrition, chronic illnesses, and infections. The clinic’s location had reportedly been shared with the Israeli military to prevent such incidents.
Rabih Torbay, CEO of Project HOPE, condemned the attack and said the clinic was meant to be a safe space for vulnerable individuals, including women and children. “This morning, innocent families were mercilessly attacked as they stood in line,” he stated. “We are horrified and heartbroken beyond words.”
Israeli Military Responds
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the airstrike was aimed at a Hamas militant who had participated in the group’s October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. The military acknowledged reports of civilian casualties and noted that the incident is under investigation. The IDF reiterated its policy of minimizing harm to uninvolved civilians and expressed regret over the loss of innocent lives.
Footage from the scene showed chaos and devastation. Several videos circulating among local sources displayed motionless children being transported from the site, with wailing in the background.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, deputy medical coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Palestine, emphasized that this is not an isolated event. He claimed medical facilities and aid distribution points have repeatedly come under attack during the conflict. He also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying the population is “exhausted, broken, tired,” with essential supplies such as food and medicine in critically short supply.
Escalation Amid Ongoing Conflict
This strike comes as Israel intensifies its military operations across Gaza, while negotiations in Doha continue with the aim of securing a temporary ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid. Over the past month, Gaza’s health ministry reports nearly 3,000 deaths, mostly among civilians.
In parallel, Hamas has launched continued guerrilla attacks against Israeli forces, resulting in over 20 soldier deaths. In another incident on Thursday, a 20-year-old Israeli man was killed at the Gush Etzion junction in the West Bank, following a combined shooting and stabbing attack allegedly carried out by two Palestinian Authority policemen.
As the conflict persists, both sides remain locked in violence, with civilians paying the highest price.
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