Gaza Hospital Director and Family Killed in Israeli Airstrike, Health Ministry Reports

The ongoing violence in Gaza has resulted in the tragic death of Dr. Marwan Sultan, director of the Indonesian Hospital, as Israeli airstrikes continue amidst rising civilian casualties. At least five others were killed in separate attacks during a volatile 24-hour period.

Dr. Marwan Sultan, the director of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, was killed in an Israeli airstrike that struck his home in Gaza City, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The strike reportedly took the lives of several family members as well, with the health ministry labeling the attack a "heinous crime against our medical cadres." The Israeli military, in response, stated that the airstrike targeted a "key terrorist" in the area, and expressed regret over the potential harm to civilians, asserting that they are reviewing claims regarding non-combatants.

In addition to Dr. Sultan's death, at least five individuals lost their lives during a strike on the al-Mawasi "safe zone," which has been designated as a refuge for those displaced by ongoing hostilities. The health ministry emphasized Dr. Sultan's legacy of compassion and dedication, noting he had been a symbol of strength during the trying circumstances faced by the population amidst continuous aggression.

As of now, the United Nations reports that there are no functioning hospitals in northern Gaza, which has drawn accusations from the health ministry that the Israeli military is deliberately targeting medical and humanitarian personnel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) contended that Hamas is violating international law by using civilian infrastructure for military purposes.

Over the past 24 hours, the health ministry reported that at least 139 people were killed in military operations across Gaza. In a separate incident in Khan Younis, a strike hit a tent sheltering displaced individuals, resulting in fatalities, including children. Eyewitnesses described the chaos and devastation, with survivors expressing disbelief over the targeting of what was supposed to be a safe area.

As the weather in Gaza intensifies with high temperatures, displaced families are facing a dire situation, struggling to cope without electricity and basic amenities like water. Aid organizations report that children are expressing distress and despair over their precarious living conditions and loss of family members.

The situation remains critical, with ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire amidst increased airstrikes and continuous humanitarian challenges resulting from the ongoing conflict, which has seen a staggering loss of life since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.