Updated: Israel Expands Gaza Offensive, Destroys Cancer Hospital \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Israeli forces intensified their Gaza offensive, destroying the only specialized cancer hospital and vowing more land seizures until Hamas releases hostages. Over 600 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire collapse, with warnings of further escalations. Meanwhile, Israeli political turmoil grows as Netanyahu’s attempt to fire the Shin Bet chief faces court delays.
Israel Expands Gaza Offensive, Destroys Cancer Hospital Quick Looks:
- Israeli forces destroyed Gaza’s only cancer hospital, citing Hamas activity.
- Turkish officials condemned the attack as a war crime.
- Israel vows to seize more territory until hostages are released.
- Over 600 Palestinians killed since Israel resumed attacks.
- Hamas fired rockets at Israel for the first time post-ceasefire.
- Israeli troops advance into Gaza’s north and south regions.
- Palestinian families flee, facing dire conditions amid renewed conflict.
- Netanyahu faces legal challenge after firing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
- Supreme Court halts Bar’s dismissal pending an April 8 hearing.
- Netanyahu accused of using the firing as a power grab.
- Israeli military plans fresh assaults near Gaza City.
- Gaza’s health system continues to collapse under sustained attacks.
- Humanitarian aid remains blocked, worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
- Israeli offensive linked to October 7 attack, killing 1,200 in Israel.
Deep Look
The conflict in Gaza has entered a devastating new phase, as Israeli forces advanced deeper into the territory on Friday and destroyed Gaza’s only specialized cancer hospital. The Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, once a critical facility for oncology patients, was reduced to rubble after Israeli military strikes. The Israeli military claims Hamas militants were operating within the hospital grounds — a claim that Turkey, one of the hospital’s chief sponsors, strongly disputes.
Dr. Zaki Al-Zaqzouq, head of the hospital’s oncology department, condemned the attack, stating that the hospital had served as a “lifeline” for thousands of patients. He expressed disbelief over its destruction, especially after a recent visit during the ceasefire revealed that parts of the facility remained functional. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the bombing, accusing Israel of systematically rendering Gaza uninhabitable and violating international law.
The destruction of the hospital comes amid Israel’s aggressive push to seize more territory. The Netzarim Corridor, which Israel retook earlier this week, plays a crucial role in dividing Gaza in two and controlling Palestinian movement. Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed on Friday that Israeli forces would continue their offensive “with increasing intensity” until Hamas releases the remaining 59 hostages, of whom only 24 are believed to be alive.
The renewed offensive has already proven catastrophic. Since Tuesday’s collapse of the ceasefire, Israel has launched widespread airstrikes and ground operations that have resulted in the deaths of approximately 600 Palestinians, including women and children. Witnesses report that many were killed in their homes as they slept or prepared to observe Ramadan. The Gaza Health Ministry now reports over 49,000 deaths since the start of the conflict, with more than half of those casualties being civilians.
On Friday, Israeli forces expanded their operations into Gaza’s northern town of Beit Lahiya and the southern city of Rafah. Airstrikes continue to pummel Gaza City and its surrounding neighborhoods. One particularly devastating strike east of Gaza City reportedly killed six people, including a couple and their two children, though the Israeli army maintains it was targeting militants and claimed to take precautions to minimize civilian casualties.
Conditions for displaced Palestinians are worsening. Families have been forced to flee along the coastal road, carrying what little they can on horse-drawn carts. Rafah has become a temporary refuge for many, but bombardments there continue, forcing people to live outdoors in cold, rainy conditions with limited shelter or aid.
Meanwhile, tensions within Israel are rising as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces backlash for his attempt to dismiss Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security agency. Netanyahu’s decision has sparked mass protests, with tens of thousands rallying outside his residence. Israel’s Supreme Court temporarily blocked Bar’s dismissal pending an appeal to be heard by April 8.
Critics argue that Netanyahu’s move is a blatant power grab meant to deflect blame from his government’s failings leading up to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 people in Israel and resulted in 251 hostages. A Shin Bet report has acknowledged security failures and indirectly pointed to Netanyahu’s policies as contributing factors. Yet, Netanyahu has refused calls for an official state inquiry and continues to shift responsibility onto security agencies.
Back in Gaza, Hamas has resumed firing rockets for the first time since the ceasefire collapsed, with two rockets intercepted by Israel and sirens sounding in Ashkelon. This escalation is likely to provoke even more forceful responses from Israel, as military leaders have made clear that Hamas’ refusal to release hostages will result in further territorial seizures and intensified strikes.
Internationally, the situation has drawn condemnation. Turkey and humanitarian organizations accuse Israel of violating international norms by targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. Human rights groups warn that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of total collapse, with hospitals repeatedly targeted, supplies cut off, and medical personnel either fleeing or trapped.
The Israeli government has blocked humanitarian aid, fuel, and food from reaching Gaza, creating a dire situation for the enclave’s two million residents. The United Nations and other humanitarian agencies have issued urgent appeals for ceasefires to allow aid delivery, but Israel remains resolute in using all available means to pressure Hamas.
While Israeli officials argue that Hamas’ use of civilian areas and infrastructure as shields justifies their actions, critics question the proportionality of the response. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, and public health crises are spreading rapidly in refugee camps and crowded shelters.
In the political arena, Netanyahu’s power struggle with the Shin Bet chief could signal deeper instability within Israel’s government. As the Supreme Court reviews the legality of Bar’s dismissal, the country faces a potential constitutional crisis over the balance of power between the executive branch and security agencies. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for Israel’s political future, particularly as protests against Netanyahu’s leadership grow louder.
Meanwhile, hostilities show no signs of abating. The Israeli army has announced plans for fresh ground assaults near Gaza City and other strategic locations. Palestinians, already displaced multiple times, are left with few safe places to go, and humanitarian groups warn that the coming weeks could be the deadliest phase of the conflict yet.
As Gaza’s civilian population continues to bear the brunt of the conflict, international pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign is mounting. However, with both sides unwilling to compromise and with hostages still in Hamas’ custody, a swift resolution remains unlikely. The Israeli government, under mounting domestic and international scrutiny, appears committed to pushing forward with its objectives — regardless of the humanitarian toll.
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