Israel Gaza live news: Hamas-run health ministry says Israeli strike on Gaza hospital kills 12

Israel Gaza live news: Hamas-run health ministry says Israeli strike on Gaza hospital kills 12 The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported that 12 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a hospital in the region. This latest attack comes on the heels of a "horrendous" 48 hours, as described by the UN human rights chief, in the conflict between Israel and Gaza. The airstrike on the hospital has sparked outrage and condemnation from various international bodies and organizations. The Hamas-run health ministry has called it a "heinous crime" and accused Israel of deliberately targeting medical facilities and personnel. According to the health ministry, the strike hit the al-Shati refugee camp in western Gaza, where the hospital is located. Images from the scene show the devastating aftermath, with the hospital building reduced to rubble and emergency personnel scrambling to rescue survivors and treat the wounded. This attack on a hospital is a grave violation of international humanitarian law, as hospitals and medical facilities are considered protected spaces even in times of armed conflict. The deliberate targeting of such establishments is strictly prohibited. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the incident, but previous similar attacks have been justified on the grounds of targeting military infrastructure that Hamas allegedly uses in proximity to these facilities. Israel maintains that it takes extensive precautions to minimize civilian casualties in its operations. However, the repeated targeting of hospitals and medical facilities raises serious concerns about compliance with international law and the protection of civilians in this conflict. The UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, has expressed her deep alarm at the escalating violence and called for an immediate ceasefire. The situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly in recent days, with intense fighting and a heavy exchange of airstrikes and rocket fire between Israel and Palestinian militant groups. Several high-rise buildings, including residential towers, have been leveled to the ground, leaving many families homeless. The Hamas-run health ministry has reported that the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 145, with hundreds more injured. On the Israeli side, there have been several casualties and widespread disruption caused by rockets fired from Gaza. The international community has been calling for an end to the violence and an urgent de-escalation of the conflict. Numerous countries and organizations have issued statements expressing their concern and urging both sides to exercise restraint. Efforts are reportedly underway to secure a ceasefire through diplomatic channels, with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations working to broker an agreement. Several temporary humanitarian ceasefires have been proposed to allow for the delivery of essential aid and the evacuation of injured individuals. The situation remains extremely volatile, and there are fears that without a swift resolution, the violence could spiral further out of control. There have been reports of Israeli troop build-ups near the Gaza border, raising concerns of a ground invasion. The conflict in Gaza is deeply rooted in longstanding political and territorial disputes between Israel and the Palestinians. The situation has been exacerbated by growing tensions in Jerusalem, particularly around the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, one of Islam's holiest sites. The recent wave of violence began with clashes between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli security forces during Ramadan. This led to protests and heightened tensions, culminating in rocket fire from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes in response. International calls for de-escalation and a return to dialogue have so far been met with limited success. The Israel-Palestine conflict is one of the most protracted and intractable disputes in the world, with deep-seated grievances and complex geopolitical dynamics. Finding a lasting and just solution will require a comprehensive and inclusive approach that addresses the legitimate aspirations and concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians. It will also necessitate the collective commitment of the international community to support meaningful dialogue and genuine efforts towards peace.