Israel target medical personnel in Gaza, says Health Ministry

CAIRO – 13 November 2024: The situation in Gaza remains dire as Israeli airstrikes persist, intensifying the humanitarian crisis and targeting displaced communities to force their relocation. Civilian casualties are mounting, with relentless detentions and raids across West Bank cities, while international action to curb Israeli aggression has remained limited.

In the latest attacks, nine Palestinians were killed on Wednesday in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza. According to local sources, five were struck near Kamal Adwan Hospital, with four more killed in a targeted home strike. Additionally, an airstrike hit a mosque’s surroundings. In Rafah, southern Gaza, a drone strike killed one Palestinian civilian, while a 10-year-old girl succumbed to injuries from an attack on a shelter in the Nuseirat refugee camp two days prior, with her brother critically injured.

As bombings continue, aid entry into Gaza remains insufficient, a point raised by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

He called for Israel to facilitate the entry of much-needed food trucks into Gaza, noting that over 900 aid trucks are stalled at the Kerem Shalom border, hindered by looting concerns. Blinken urged Israel to ensure the safe entry and distribution of these trucks and highlighted the need to end hostilities, asserting that Israel has already met its objectives of weakening Hamas and preventing a repeat of the October 7 events.

Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reports an ongoing escalation in attacks against healthcare professionals, accusing Israel of intensifying actions aimed at forced displacement and mass civilian casualties, particularly in Gaza’s north.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces continue confrontations, including the shooting of a Palestinian youth at the Deir Sharaf checkpoint near Nablus and using tear gas against protesters in Tuqu' near Bethlehem. Other incidents include gunfire injuries in the Al-Arroub refugee camp north of Hebron. Moreover, Israeli forces have reportedly closed the entrance to Silwan in occupied Jerusalem, potentially preparing for demolitions, and surrounded Qalandiya camp.

Israeli media outlets reported that senior Israeli military officials have voiced frustrations over delays in presenting the findings of October 7’s investigations, despite many reports already prepared for the Israeli Chief of Staff. This delay is officially attributed to heightened military operations in northern Israel, especially concerning the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.