Israeli Attack Kills Hundreds Of People In Gaza In 48 Hours, Damaged Hospitals In North

JAKARTA - Palestinian medics on Saturday, November 23, 2024, revealed that Israeli military attacks in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 120 Palestinians over the past 48 hours.

The attack also hit a hospital on the north bank, injured medical staff, and damaged equipment.

Among the dead victims, there was a family of seven members whose houses were attacked at night on the outskirts of Zeitoun, Gaza City. The rest died in separate Israeli attacks in central and southern Gaza.

At the same time, Israeli forces deepened attacks and bombings on the northern edge of the area.

The Israeli military said it was aimed at preventing Hamas fighters from launching attacks and gathering again in the area.

Local residents say they fear the goal is to permanently vacate a piece of territory as a buffer zone, Israel denies.

At Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of three medical facilities on the northern edge of Gaza is barely operational.

Director of Kamal Adwa Hospital, Hussam Abu Safiya, said the ongoing Israeli bombing appeared aimed at forcing hospital staff to evacuate.

"Yesterday (Friday, November 22, 2024), from evening to midnight, the bombing immediately targeted entrances to emergency areas and receipts several times," he said in a statement, adding that 12 staff members including doctors and nurses were injured.

The attack also caused significant damage disrupting power generators, oxygen supply networks, and water supplies.

When asked to comment on Abu Safiya's statement, the Israeli military said that after an initial review, they were not aware of an attack on the Kamal Adwan Hospital area.

"IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) is doing everything possible to avoid injuries to civilians," they said.

Israel says Hamas uses hospitals and civilians as human shields and has made videos and public photos to support the claims.

Hamas rejected the allegations and said he did not use civilian residents or facilities for military purposes.

According to Gaza officials, Israel's 13-month military operation in Gaza has killed more than 44,000 people and displaced almost all residents of the enclave at least once.

The war was launched in response to attacks by Hamas-led fighters that killed 1,200 people and held more than 250 people hostage in Israel on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli tallies.

Efforts over the months to negotiate a ceasefire have made little progress and negotiations are now being postponed, with the Qatari mediators having suspended their efforts until both sides are ready to make concessions.

Hamas wants a deal that ends the war, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war can only end after Hamas is eradicated.