### Tragedy Strikes Gaza Hospital: Israeli Air Strike Sparks Deadly Blaze

In the early hours of Monday, a devastating Israeli air strike on the al-Aqsa Hospital compound in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, resulted in a deadly fire that engulfed makeshift shelters for displaced people, leaving witnesses in shock and horror.

A mother described the harrowing event as "one of the worst scenes we've witnessed," while an injured girl recounted the desperate screams of people tearing down tents to escape the flames. A man shared his anguish at being "unable to do anything" to help those who perished in the fire.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least four people were killed and dozens injured, predominantly women and children. The al-Aqsa Hospital had become a refuge for displaced individuals seeking shelter amid ongoing conflict.

The Israeli military claimed the attack targeted Hamas fighters operating within a command center located in the hospital's car park, and the subsequent fire was likely caused by "secondary explosions." They stated that the incident is currently under review.

Charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF), whose staff works at al-Aqsa Hospital, disputed the presence of a Hamas command center, emphasizing that the facility "functions as a hospital."

The UN's humanitarian affairs agency condemned the incident, declaring "atrocities must end," and a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council described the footage as "disturbing." The spokesperson stressed that "Israel has a responsibility to do more to avoid civilian casualties."

Witnesses reported that the strike occurred at approximately 01:15 local time on Monday. Anna Halford, MSF's emergency coordinator in Gaza, highlighted that the attack hit an area filled with makeshift shelters situated next to an outdoor outpatient waiting area.

Among those affected was Hiba Radi, a mother who lived in a tent behind the hospital. She expressed her trauma, stating, "This is one of the worst scenes we've witnessed and lived through. We've never seen destruction like this before."

Injuries were widespread, with MSF reporting on Tuesday that five people had died and 65 were injured. Forty of the injured, including 22 men, eight women, and 10 children, remained at al-Aqsa Hospital, while others were transferred to various hospitals, including a specialized burns unit.

Ms. Halford described the dire conditions of the burn victims, many of whom are unlikely to survive. "You come home with the smell of it on your clothes. It's a viscerally affecting experience. It stays with you," she said.

This was the seventh air strike on the hospital site since March and the third in just two weeks. Ms. Halford arrived at the hospital post-strike to find people sifting through twisted metal and charred debris, attempting to salvage their remaining possessions.

The incident underscores the relentless humanitarian crisis faced by those in Gaza, as civilians bear the brunt of ongoing conflict and violence.