By Israeli military operations across the Gaza Strip killed at least 19 Palestinians on Wednesday, including a rescue worker, while a northern hospital issued an urgent distress call amid deteriorating conditions and staff arrests, according to health officials.
At least 12 people died in a single strike on a house in Jabalia, northern Gaza, with rescue workers still searching for ten missing persons beneath the rubble. Tank shelling in the vicinity claimed another life, while additional casualties were reported in separate incidents across the territory.
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, reported critical conditions after Israeli forces bombed “all departments without warning” on Tuesday while staff attempted to save a patient in intensive care. The situation has grown dire following the arrest of 45 medical and surgical staff members, with no replacement team permitted entry.
“We are now losing wounded patients daily who could have survived if resources were available,” Abu Safiya told Reuters. The hospital currently houses 85 injured individuals, including women and children, with six in intensive care and 17 children showing signs of malnutrition. One patient recently died from dehydration.
Israeli forces have concentrated operations along Gaza’s northern edge for weeks, laying siege to Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun. Residents report widespread destruction of homes, fueling concerns about permanent depopulation despite Israeli denials of such intentions.
The conflict’s death toll has reached nearly 44,000 Palestinians since Israel launched its campaign following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 hostages. Ceasefire negotiations through Qatari mediation have stalled, with neither side willing to make concessions.
In separate incidents Wednesday, an Israeli airstrike killed a civil emergency service member during a rescue operation in Gaza City’s Sabra suburb, bringing the service’s casualties to 87 since October. Two additional deaths were reported in the Zeitoun neighborhood, while strikes in southern Rafah killed three men.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a Tuesday visit to Gaza, reiterated that Hamas would not retain control of the territory and offered $5 million rewards for each remaining hostage’s return. The Israeli leader maintains the conflict will continue until Hamas is eliminated, while the group demands a complete cessation of hostilities.
