Logan Reid
Hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law, yet they have been attacked during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Both sides have traded blame for the explosions that have hit hospitals in Gaza, with the Hamas-run Health Ministry claiming Israeli airstrikes caused the blasts, and the Israeli military stating that it was a misfired Palestinian rocket. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have also claimed that Hamas used hospitals as command and control centres.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of the incident | 13 April 2025 |
| Location | Gaza City |
| Hospital | Al Ahli Arab Hospital |
| Attacked by | Israel |
| Reason for attack | Israel claimed that the hospital contained a "command and control centre used by Hamas" |
| Casualties | No casualties were reported, but a child died during the rushed evacuation process |
| Other details | The hospital was the last fully functional hospital in Gaza City |
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What You'll Learn
Israel claims Hamas used hospitals for military operations
Israel has claimed that Hamas has been using hospitals for military operations, which, if true, would constitute a war crime. In late October 2023, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement about Hamas activities at al-Shifa Hospital, a government-run hospital in Gaza City, Palestine. The IDF stated that Hamas had been "operating below Gaza's Shifa Hospital, using the thousands of patients, doctors and staff in the building to shield its underground headquarters".
The Israeli government has engaged in a public relations campaign to justify its siege and takeover of al-Shifa Hospital. On November 11, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted a video of a nurse at al-Shifa backing up Israeli claims of Hamas usage of the hospital. However, the video was widely mocked and questioned for its authenticity, and the ministry deleted the tweet within a day. Several news outlets, including The Daily Beast and France 24, found the video to be staged.
Israel has also claimed that Hamas used Nasser Hospital for military operations and to hold the bodies of two Israeli hostages. On February 15, after a week-long siege and shelling of Nasser Hospital, Israeli ground troops forced thousands of displaced people sheltering in the compound to leave while the IDF assaulted the facility. During the assault, Israel repeated its assurance that it would "ensure that the Nasser Hospital continues its important function of treating Gazan patients."
There has been some skepticism about Israel's claims that Hamas has been using hospitals for military operations. Amnesty International has stated that they have "not seen any credible evidence to support Israel’s claim that al-shifa is housing a military command centre". The Washington Post also analyzed publicly released material by Israel and concluded that there was "no immediate evidence of military use by Hamas". Furthermore, journalists for The Independent claimed that "Israel has not presented evidence that shows a large-scale headquarters under the hospital".
The use of hospitals for military purposes is prohibited by international humanitarian law and constitutes a war crime. Hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law, and attacks on healthcare facilities must stop.
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Israel denies involvement in hospital bombings
Israel has denied involvement in hospital bombings in Gaza, claiming that it makes "extraordinary efforts" to avoid civilian casualties and support hospital functioning. However, there is evidence that Israel has targeted hospitals in Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties and the destruction of medical facilities.
In April 2025, an Israeli airstrike destroyed part of the last fully functional hospital in Gaza City, al Ahli Arab Hospital. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the hospital contained a "command and control centre used by Hamas" and that there were no casualties. However, the Hamas-run government media office and the UK Foreign Minister, David Lammy, condemned the attack, stating that it violated international humanitarian law and comprehensively degraded access to healthcare in Gaza. One child died as a result of the rushed evacuation, and the hospital building was completely destroyed.
In October 2023, an explosion at the Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza City killed hundreds of people. The Hamas-run Health Ministry attributed the explosion to an Israeli airstrike, while the Israeli military denied involvement, claiming it was a misfired Palestinian rocket. This incident occurred during a period of intense conflict between Hamas and Israel, with both sides trading blame for the blast and the wider violence.
Israel has also been accused of obstructing humanitarian efforts and denying access to medical facilities in Gaza. In February 2024, Israeli ground troops forced thousands of displaced people sheltering in Nasser Hospital to evacuate during an incursion. The IDF claimed that Hamas was using the hospital for military operations and to hold Israeli hostages. Israel stated its commitment to treating Gazan patients and facilitating the supply of essential resources, but these claims have been disputed. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other humanitarian groups faced obstacles in accessing hospitals and providing assistance, hindering their ability to save lives and safely organize humanitarian aid.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with a severely impacted healthcare system and limited access to essential resources. Despite Israel's denials, evidence suggests that its military actions have contributed to the destruction of medical facilities and civilian casualties in Gaza.
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Hamas blames Israel for hospital attacks
Hamas has blamed Israel for attacks on hospitals in Gaza, claiming that Israeli airstrikes have killed hundreds of people and destroyed medical facilities. The Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip asserted that an Israeli airstrike caused an explosion at the Ahli Arab hospital, resulting in numerous fatalities. However, the Israeli military denied these claims, attributing the explosion to a misfired Palestinian rocket.
In April 2025, an Israeli airstrike targeted the al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, the last fully functional hospital in the area. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) justified their actions by stating that the hospital housed a ""command and control center used by Hamas." While no casualties were reported, one child with a prior head injury died during the rushed evacuation, according to the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which operates the hospital. The Hamas-run government media office condemned the attack, accusing Israel of committing a "horrific crime" by targeting a hospital with hundreds of patients and medical staff.
The incident at al Ahli Arab Hospital is not an isolated event. There have been multiple instances of Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza, including Nasser Hospital in February 2023. During this assault, Israeli ground troops forced thousands of displaced individuals seeking shelter to leave the compound while the IDF raided the facility. Israeli spokespeople asserted that Hamas was using the hospital for military operations and to hold Israeli hostages, which, if true, would constitute war crimes. However, these claims have been disputed, with allegations that Israel omitted essential facts and misrepresented the circumstances on the ground.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in severe consequences for civilians and humanitarian groups. Hospitals are meant to be sanctuaries of care, but the ongoing violence has disrupted access to healthcare and endangered the lives of patients and medical personnel. The international community has called for independent investigations into the attacks and the alleged misuse of medical facilities by Hamas. As casualty numbers rise, there is a growing urgency to protect civilians and ensure accountability for any violations of international law.
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Israel targets Hamas leaders in hospitals
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, hospitals have been targeted by both sides, resulting in civilian casualties and the degradation of Gaza's healthcare system. Israel has justified its attacks on hospitals by claiming that Hamas uses these facilities for military operations, to shield its militants, and to store weapons.
In March 2025, an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, killed five people, including a Hamas political leader, Ismail Barhoum, according to Hamas sources. The Israeli military confirmed that the strike targeted a "key terrorist" in Hamas but did not name the individual. Hamas' Al-Aqsa TV reported that Barhoum was being treated at the hospital for wounds sustained in a previous attack. This incident sparked outrage and was condemned by humanitarian groups and international entities.
In October 2023, another incident occurred at al-Ahli Arab Hospital (al-Ahli Hospital) in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians. The Hamas-run Health Ministry attributed the explosion to an Israeli airstrike, while the Israeli military denied involvement, claiming it was due to a misfired Palestinian rocket. This incident also drew widespread condemnation, with UK Foreign Minister David Lammy stating that "deplorable attacks must end."
Israel has repeatedly asserted that Hamas systematically embeds itself in hospitals, schools, and shelters, exploiting their sanctity to launch attacks and shield militants. On the other hand, Hamas has denied these allegations and accused Israel of committing war crimes by targeting hospitals and endangering civilians.
The targeting of hospitals has had severe consequences for Gaza's healthcare system, with reports indicating that hospitals have been rendered non-functional due to damage or the evacuation of patients and staff. The World Health Organization (WHO) has faced challenges in accessing and providing support to affected hospitals due to restrictions imposed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with hospitals and healthcare workers struggling to cope with the influx of casualties and the destruction of medical facilities. The international community has called for independent investigations into the alleged misuse of hospitals by Hamas and urged both parties to uphold international humanitarian law, which protects hospitals and medical personnel.
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Hospitals in Gaza struggle to function
Hospitals in the Gaza Strip have been struggling to function amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Multiple sources have reported attacks on hospitals in the region, with both sides trading blame.
In October 2023, an explosion at the crowded Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City killed hundreds of people. The Hamas-run Health Ministry claimed that it was caused by an Israeli airstrike, while the Israeli military denied involvement and asserted that it was due to a misfired Palestinian rocket. This incident once again highlighted the fragile state of the healthcare system in Gaza and the challenges hospitals face in providing essential services.
In another incident, Israeli ground troops forced thousands of displaced people seeking shelter in Nasser Hospital to evacuate while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assaulted the facility. The IDF claimed that Hamas was using the hospital for military operations and that the facility was housing the bodies of two Israeli hostages. However, humanitarian groups and global observers criticised Israel's conduct, stating that such attacks comprehensively degraded access to healthcare in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the functionality of hospitals in Gaza. In December 2023, Doctors Without Borders reported that Israeli troops seized Al Awda Hospital, interrogating and detaining men and boys over the age of sixteen. The hospital was subjected to repeated strikes and shelling, endangering the lives of patients and medical staff.
The targeting of hospitals and healthcare facilities has had a devastating impact on the already fragile healthcare system in Gaza. The World Health Organization and other humanitarian groups are struggling to provide essential medical services and save lives in extremely challenging circumstances. The conflict has resulted in the destruction of medical infrastructure, displacement of patients, and limited access to healthcare for those in need.
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Frequently asked questions
Both Israel and Hamas have attacked hospitals in Gaza. Israel has bombed hospitals in Gaza, including al-Ahli hospital, al-Aqsa Hospital, and al-Awda hospital. Hamas has also been accused of attacking hospitals in Gaza, such as Nasser Hospital.
There is evidence that Israel has attacked hospitals in Gaza, including eyewitness accounts, video footage, and still images. For example, in May 2025, Israel bombed two hospitals in Gaza, killing at least 18 Palestinians. Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli military deliberately targeted anyone who tried to reach the wounded.
There is also evidence that Hamas has attacked hospitals in Gaza. For example, in February 2024, the IDF released a recording of what it claimed was an intercepted conversation between two Hamas militants acknowledging that they had hit a hospital with a projectile. Additionally, humanitarian groups have reported that Hamas has used hospitals for military operations and to hold hostages.
