GENEVA — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over an Israeli airstrike on the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza on Sunday, his spokesperson reported on Tuesday (April 15). In a statement, the spokesperson emphasized that under international humanitarian law, the wounded and sick, medical personnel, and healthcare facilities — including hospitals — must be protected. He stated that the strike dealt a major blow to Gaza's already strained healthcare system. Concerns were also raised about the critical shortage of food, clean water, and medical supplies in the region.

Medical sources in Gaza reported that two Israeli missiles struck the hospital, disabling its emergency department and damaging other nearby structures. The Israeli government claimed the strike targeted Hamas operatives who were allegedly using the hospital as cover. Prior to the strike, a person identifying as an Israeli security officer contacted the hospital, prompting the evacuation of patients and staff.

The humanitarian crisis has worsened since March 2, when Israel blocked the entry of aid trucks into the Palestinian territory. This blockade followed the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations. Israel resumed its military operations on March 18. According to Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 25,000 aid trucks had entered Gaza during the 42-day ceasefire period. The ministry accused Hamas of exploiting this aid to rebuild its military infrastructure, a charge that Hamas has firmly denied.

The strike and ongoing blockade have sparked renewed global concern, as Gaza's healthcare system faces collapse and its population struggles with extreme shortages of essential resources. The UN continues to call for respect for humanitarian law and unimpeded delivery of aid to civilians in need.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.