An Israeli airstrike early on Sunday targeted the emergency and reception wing of the al-Ahli Arab Hospital, commonly known as the Baptist Hospital, in central Gaza City, throwing the facility completely out of service.
The bombing forced dozens of patients, including those in critical condition, into the streets. At least one child reportedly died during the evacuation.
The hospital, already operating under extreme conditions, was a vital point of care in the enclave, where health infrastructure has been systematically dismantled during over six months of Israeli bombardment.
Israel has deliberately destroyed 34 hospitals across the Strip as part of what it described as a “systematic plan” to eliminate Gaza’s healthcare system, according to Gaza's media office.
Hamas condemned the bombing as a “new war crime”, accusing the Israeli military of committing "brutal atrocities" with US support.
The Israeli strike came as forces issued new forced expulsion orders targeting neighbourhoods in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza and southern Khan Younis. Palestinians from several areas, including al-Iman, al-Taqwa, al-Basateen, al-Zahraa, al-Bawadi, and al-Nuzha, were forced to evacuate ahead of deadly attacks.
As the death toll on the ground surpasses at least 61,700 killed and over 115,00 wounded, a Hamas delegation is in Cairo participating in ceasefire talks mediated by Egypt.