Al-Ahli Hospital massacre in Gaza: Medical staff speak out

'Lifeless children'

Abu Sitta, a surgeon at Al Ahli Hospital, recalled the harrowing incident to Al Majalla.

"Following the conclusion of a surgical procedure, I heard the unmistakable sound of a missile, swiftly followed by a powerful explosion that resulted in the ceiling of the operating room collapsing," he said.

The doctor hurried outside, discovering a distressing scene of "lifeless children and others with severed limbs, as well as injuries from shrapnel and burns."

He witnessed several bodies, including those of children and women, stacked atop one another. Some were so torn apart that identification became nearly impossible.

Abu Sitta confirmed that dozens of displaced civilians were in the courtyard of Al-Ahli Hospital before the explosion. On the morning of the incident, he observed several citizens heading to the hospital, believing it to be a safe haven.

"Now, all of them have tragically become victims of an undeniable war crime," he said.

Total blockade

The Israeli government, under earlier directives issued by Defense Minister Yoav Galant, had earlier enforced a stringent blockade on the Gaza Strip.

This applied to electricity and water supplies, along with a ban on the entry of medical supplies, food, and even relief aid for the population.

This collective punishment was imposed in response to an incursion by Palestinian faction fighters into the eastern borders, and the killing and capture of hundreds of Israeli soldiers and settlers in settlements adjacent to the separation wall with Gaza.

Before the Al-Ahli Hospital massacre, the Israeli occupation had issued warnings to several hospitals, directing them to evacuate.

These institutions included Abu Yusuf Al-Najjar Hospital, Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah, the Indonesian Hospital (which had been previously targeted), and the Nasser Medical Complex, where an ambulance had been struck.

Al-Ahli Hospital received several warnings and threats. However, doctors reiterated that they had to continue to treat their wounded.

The bombing ultimately rendered the hospital non-operational.

Global outrage

Mere hours later, the Israeli army vehemently denied any involvement with the strike.

Perhaps they realised the enormity of the crime, which provoked widespread outrage. Thousands, if not millions, mobilised in streets across Arab and Western cities and capitals, demanding international accountability for Israel's actions, while showing solidarity with the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army accused Palestinian factions, specifically the Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, of being behind the bombing.

According to their claims, one of the rockets launched by the Al-Quds Brigades landed in the hospital courtyard.

However, this allegation contradicts videos that show when the rocket struck the hospital.

The targeting of Al-Ahli Hospital, a designated protected area under international law, international humanitarian law, and the Geneva Convention on War, is an alarming addition to a series of incidents where hospitals, schools, international facilities, and even civilian homes have been targeted.

By law, these places are not valid military targets.

Palestinian writer and political analyst Dr Hussam Al-Dajani told Al Majalla that the actions of the Israeli government and its military, particularly concerning protected institutions, "cannot occur without Western approval."

He pointed to statements made by US President Joe Biden in the past two weeks, where Biden reiterated his moral and military backing for Israel and its "right to defend itself".

Al-Dajani added that Israel won't stop committing war crimes without "a response from the global populace, which puts pressure on Western nations (and their interests) to halt the bloodshed."

"It is imperative for everyone to address the root problem, which is the occupation imposed on the Palestinians for over 70 years," said Al-Dajani.

Critical shortages

In recent days, the Ministry of Health in Gaza has warned of critical shortages in medical supplies, medications, and healthcare personnel, particularly specialists proficient in conducting intricate surgical procedures.

An orthopaedic surgeon at the Nasser Medical Complex told Al Majalla that they are now undertaking provisional procedures with the aim of ensuring patient survival.

However, some of the injured require complex surgeries that cannot be carried out due to time constraints and a lack of resources. The situation is exacerbated by a constant influx of casualties, which has surpassed the capacity of all hospitals in Gaza.

In the most recent update on Wednesday evening, the Ministry of Health disclosed a rise in the death toll to 3,478, as well as 12,065 people who have sustained diverse injuries.

Meanwhile, more causalities are being recorded every day, including victims of the Al-Ahli Hospital massacre.

Egypt stipulated that, in order for it to allow foreign nationals to exit Gaza, aid trucks (which had been waiting at the Rafah crossing for days) would have to be let inside.

In the most recent development on Saturday, a small convoy of 20 aid trucks (out of about 200, which were stationed outside) was allowed inside the Strip, when the Rafah border was briefly opened.

This marked the first allowance of humanitarian aid into Gaza in more than two weeks since the bloodshed began.