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Key Points

An intensifying conflict between Israel and Gaza, sparked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's aggressive stance, resulted in airstrikes killing 80 Palestinians, largely impacting families and children. The highly critical Gaza European Hospital has been knocked out of service, worsening medical crises in the territory. With humanitarian aid blocked since early March, the hunger crisis is deepening, putting half a million at the risk of starvation. Calls for aid and ceasefires intensify as international bodies urge action amid the escalating humanitarian disaster.

Key Points: Netanyahu's Gaza Strikes Kill 80 Palestinians Hit Cancer Hospital

  • Netanyahu promises full force as 80 killed in Gaza strikes
  • Gaza cancer hospital crippled by Israeli airstrikes
  • Emergency teams obstructed by Israeli forces
  • Humanitarian aid halted since March 2, creating severe hunger crisis
2 min read

80 killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, cancer hospital knocked out of service

Israeli airstrikes devastate Gaza with 80 dead and critical cancer hospital impacted.

"Thousands spent the night in the streets amid threats of strikes. - Mahmoud Basal"

Gaza, May 16

At least 80 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others wounded in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, said Palestinian medical sources.

The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported that 54 people, including women and children, were killed in strikes on the southern city, according to a press statement on Thursday.

According to Gaza-based health authorities, the Gaza European Hospital, the only hospital providing medical follow-up care to cancer patients in the enclave, was out of service due to recent Israeli attacks, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Israeli attacks "caused significant damage to infrastructure, such as sewage lines, damage to internal departments, and destruction of roads leading to the hospital," the authorities said in a press statement.

Meanwhile, medical sources told Xinhua news agency that 26 others were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City and other areas in northern Gaza.

The airstrikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Tuesday that the Israeli military would enter Gaza "with full force" in the coming days to press forward with efforts to defeat Hamas.

Israel resumed large-scale military operations in Gaza on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire.

Since then, 2,876 Palestinians have been killed and more than 7,800 injured, according to health officials in Gaza.

The total Palestinian death toll since the war erupted on October 7, 2023, has reached 53,010, the officials said on Thursday.

Israel is using a policy of "reducing space and emptying populated areas to pressure citizens," Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defence in Gaza, told Xinhua on Thursday.

He also claimed that thousands of people spent the night in the streets amid threats of strikes on schools and shelters housing the displaced, adding that Israeli forces were obstructing emergency teams from reaching victims and systematically destroying Civil Defence infrastructure.

Since October 2023, the Israeli Army has pursued a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 53,000 Palestinians so far, most of them women and children.

A US-backed humanitarian organisation will start work in Gaza by the end of May under an aid distribution plan, but has asked Israel to let the United Nations and others resume deliveries to Palestinians now until it is set up.

No humanitarian assistance has been delivered to Gaza since March 2, and a global hunger monitor has warned that half a million people face starvation in Gaza.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is heartbreaking to read. As Indians who've seen conflicts in our own region, we understand the pain of civilians caught in crossfire. Targeting hospitals is unacceptable under any circumstances. The international community must step in urgently. 🇮🇳🙏
P
Priya M.
While Hamas' actions can't be justified, Israel's response seems disproportionate. Cancer patients losing treatment facilities? This isn't about security anymore, it's collective punishment. India should use its diplomatic channels to push for immediate ceasefire.
A
Amit S.
Complex situation. India has good relations with both Israel and Palestine. We must maintain balanced diplomacy while advocating for humanitarian aid. The numbers are staggering - 53,000 lives lost is unimaginable. Hope our government can play mediator role.
S
Sunita R.
The world watches silently while Gaza burns. Reminds me of our own history of partition violence. When will we learn that violence begets violence? India should lead the Global South in demanding UN intervention. #HumanityFirst
V
Vikram J.
Strategic perspective: This conflict affects regional stability which impacts India too. With half a million facing starvation, it could create refugee crises. Our government should prepare humanitarian assistance while protecting national interests.
N
Neha P.
As a doctor, the hospital situation disturbs me most. Cancer patients without care? This violates medical ethics and Geneva conventions. India's medical community should offer telemedicine support if possible. Humanity above politics always.

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