Israel launches attack on Gaza's last working hospital

At least 14 Palestinians killed in besieged territory yesterday

- ALISHA RAHAMAN SARKAR

Israel struck Gaza's last functioning hospital with missiles yesterday as its military announced the expansion of a ground offensive throughout the besieged Palestinian territory.

Authorities at al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital had moved the patients out after getting a call from a person who identified themselves as an Israeli security official shortly before the attack. One patient, however, died during the evacuation as medical staff were unable to provide urgent care. The Israeli attack took the hospital out of operation, health officials said.

The attack on the hospital, run by the Diocese of Jerusalem, came on Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem. The Baptist Church in Jerusalem said that the warning to evacuate the hospital came barely 20 minutes before the missiles struck.

"We call upon all governments and people of goodwill to intervene to stop all kinds of attacks on medical and humanitarian institutions," the Church said in a statement.