Israel strikes kill 21 in Gaza

A WAVE OF Israeli strikes across Gaza on Sunday hit a hospital, a municipal building, a home and a vehicle, killing at least 21 people, including children, as Israel vowed to expand its security presence in the small coastal strip.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS Deir Al-Balah (Gaza Strip)

A predawn strike on Al-Ahli Hospital, in Gaza City, was the latest of several attacks on the last major hospital providing critical healthcare in northern Gaza.

Hospital director Dr. Fadel Naim said the emergency room, pharmacy and surrounding buildings were severely damaged, affecting over 100 patients and dozens of staff. He said in a post on X they had been warned in advance.

One patient, a girl, died during the evacuation because staff were unable to provide urgent care, Gaza's Health Ministry said. Israel said it struck a Hamas command and control centre at the hospital, without providing evidence. Hamas denied the allegations.