In a tragic incident, an Israeli airstrike targeted a tent camp within the premises of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two Palestinians and injuring 15 others. Shockingly, journalists working nearby were also among the wounded.

The Associated Press captured the horrifying scene on camera, revealing the chaos and devastation that unfolded following the strike. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital had been serving as a refuge for thousands of people who had fled their homes amidst the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli military claimed that their target was a command center belonging to the Islamic Jihad militant group and assured that the functioning of the hospital was not affected. However, the strike left innocent civilians, including women and children, terrified and seeking safety.

Amidst the current war in Gaza, tens of thousands of people have sought shelter in hospitals, viewing them as relatively secure from airstrikes. Israel, on the other hand, alleges that Hamas and other militants operate in and around medical facilities, leading to military raids on several hospitals.

Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest healthcare facility, has been a frequent target for Israeli troops. They claim to have engaged in intense battles with militants within the hospital compound, resulting in the deaths of numerous fighters, including senior Hamas operatives. Israeli forces have also discovered hidden weapons in the hospital premises.

Palestinian families who previously fled their homes due to the conflict reported being ordered by Israeli soldiers to march south after days of heavy fighting. This forced displacement has only further exacerbated an already dire situation for the people of Gaza.

Gaza's healthcare infrastructure is severely strained, with only a fraction of the hospitals functioning partially. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue to claim the lives of scores of people daily. Doctors are forced to treat patients on the floor due to the shortage of beds and often lack crucial medical supplies, including anesthesia.

International doctors, who recently visited Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, expressed horror at the devastating impact of the war on Palestinian children. The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has urgently called for the evacuation of approximately 9,000 patients abroad to receive lifesaving care.

The war between Israeli forces and Hamas-led militants began on October 7 when militants stormed across the border and unleashed violence in southern Israel. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 32,000 Palestinians, with the Gaza Health Ministry highlighting that women and children account for two-thirds of the casualties.

Ceasefire talks, brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, have been ongoing since January, with little progress reported. Hamas demands an end to the war and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces, a proposition Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently rejected. Pressure is mounting on Netanyahu to reach a deal, with families of the hostages joining mass demonstrations calling for early elections.

As the situation in Gaza becomes increasingly dire, the United Nations and humanitarian organizations warn of a looming famine in the devastated and isolated northern areas. They stress that more aid must be allowed into Gaza through land crossings to prevent further loss of life.

The perpetual cycle of violence and suffering in Gaza leaves the international community questioning how to bring about a lasting and peaceful resolution to the deeply entrenched conflict.