Israeli forces bombed Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday night, striking the facility three times just hours after the launch of a new ground offensive. The attacks targeted the pediatric cancer ward of Gaza’s only specialized children’s hospital, which was treating 80 patients, including 12 in critical condition.
Medical staff reported that 40 patients and their families managed to flee the hospital amid the bombardment, while others remained inside with doctors and nurses. The strike has intensified fears for the survival of patients unable to be evacuated due to their fragile health conditions.
The Palestinian Health Ministry condemned the attack, calling it part of Israel’s systematic campaign to cripple Gaza’s already devastated health system. Officials said the strikes deliberately targeted one of the last remaining lifelines for children in need of specialized care.
Medical sources confirmed that Israeli forces have killed at least 83 Palestinians since dawn Tuesday, including 61 in Gaza City alone. The latest assault underscores the mounting civilian toll of Israel’s operations, now in their eleventh month.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 94 percent of Gaza’s hospitals have been damaged or destroyed since the war began, leaving the territory with virtually no functioning health infrastructure. Rights groups have warned that repeated attacks on hospitals and medical facilities amount to war crimes carried out with near-total impunity.
The destruction of Al-Rantisi Hospital represents a devastating blow to Gaza’s health sector and highlights the growing humanitarian emergency. With Israel pressing ahead with its offensive, the collapse of medical services threatens to leave tens of thousands without access to life-saving care.
