Israeli Attack on UNRWA Clinic in Gaza Kills 19: Health Ministry
At least 19 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) clinic in Gaza, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Sunday. The attack, which targeted a medical facility providing emergency aid and shelter to displaced civilians, has been widely condemned by humanitarian organizations and international bodies.
Details of the Attack
The strike occurred in central Gaza, where hundreds of wounded civilians had been receiving treatment. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and destruction, with ambulances struggling to reach the site due to ongoing bombings.
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Medical workers and civilians were among the dead, with several others critically injured.
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The attack destroyed medical supplies and equipment, making it harder for doctors to provide emergency care.
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Survivors reported hearing explosions before the clinic collapsed, trapping victims inside.
According to Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra, spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry, many of the injured are in critical condition, and the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
UNRWA Condemns the Attack
The UNRWA, the United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, strongly condemned the attack on one of its medical facilities.
“Targeting humanitarian infrastructure is a grave violation of international law. Civilians and medical workers must be protected at all costs,” a UNRWA spokesperson said in a statement.
UNRWA officials emphasized that the clinic was clearly marked as a UN facility and that the attack violated international humanitarian law, which prohibits strikes on medical and humanitarian sites.
Israel’s Response
The Israeli military has yet to comment directly on the strike but has previously accused Hamas of using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. However, no evidence has been provided to support such claims regarding the clinic.
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Israel has been intensifying its attacks on Gaza in recent weeks, targeting what it calls “militant strongholds.”
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Human rights organizations dispute these claims, stating that civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The attack comes amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where:
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Hospitals are running out of essential supplies, including anesthesia, antibiotics, and surgical tools.
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The healthcare system has collapsed, with more than 80% of hospitals and clinics damaged or destroyed.
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Over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict escalated, according to local health officials.
International Outrage
The attack has drawn sharp criticism from world leaders and human rights organizations, with calls for an immediate ceasefire and accountability for attacks on civilians.
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The UN and EU have demanded an independent investigation into the incident.
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Global protests have erupted, urging governments to take stronger action against Israel’s military campaign.
Conclusion
The deadly attack on the UNRWA clinic in Gaza has further escalated tensions, raising urgent concerns over the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. As the war continues, international pressure is mounting on Israel to cease hostilities and allow unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza.
