Palestinians express desperation and fear, as hospitals in Gaza become overwhelmed with a large number of casualties following deadly Israeli attacks.
The resumption of violence has caught Palestinians off guard, particularly those who had returned home following the ceasefire, only to become victims of Israel’s continued bombing campaigns that have claimed numerous lives within families in moments.
“The late-night strikes on Gaza brought back the terrors of the earlier days of conflict,” Momen Qoreiqeh, who lost 26 family members, shared with Al Jazeera. “Being together with my family, we were startled by a massive attack on our residential area. Many family members are yet to be found beneath the debris.”
Ahmed Abu Rizq, a teacher, described the initial hours filled with fear and panic as the hospitals became overwhelmed. “We woke up to the sound of Israeli strikes throughout Gaza. The hospitals are now filled with blood,” he said, recounting seeing families arrive with their deceased children.
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported from Gaza City, highlighting that Israel’s strikes have once again turned Gaza into a “killing box.” Hospitals, overwhelmed with casualties, are receiving entire families who have lost their lives, including a family of 26. “The night’s strikes demonstrate that there is nowhere safe in Gaza. People thought returning to bombed homes and evacuation centers would be safe under the ceasefire, but they were not spared.”
Muhammad Abu Salmiya, director of al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, explained that “every minute, a wounded person dies due to a lack of resources.” From Deir el-Balah, Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary reported the Health Ministry’s call for urgent blood donations and basic medical supplies, like gauze and painkillers, which are in short supply. The existing shortages have been compounded by Israel’s blockage of aid trucks, which have not entered the territory for over two weeks. Doctors are facing significant challenges, and there is also a fuel shortage risking the collapse of medical facilities. “The hope was for people to enjoy the last days of Ramadan without air strikes. Many are missing and trapped under the rubble. Palestinians are desperate and fearful.”
