Devastation of Gaza's Hospitals: Relentless Bombardment Leaves Health System in Ruins.

Devastation of Gaza's Hospitals: Relentless Bombardment Leaves Health System in Ruins.

Nearly every hospital in northern Gaza has been pushed out of service due to relentless bombardment, power outages, and shortages, according to a CNN analysis. From October 7 to December 7, at least 20 out of 22 hospitals identified in northern Gaza were either damaged or destroyed as a result of Israel's war against Hamas. This assessment was based on satellite images, videos, and interviews with medical personnel, eyewitnesses, and humanitarian organizations. Of these hospitals, 14 were directly hit, according to evidence gathered by CNN and expert analysis.

The Israeli bombardment and ground invasion followed Hamas' October 7 attack, which killed at least 1,200 Israelis and led to over 240 hostages. Since the onset of the war, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 23,400 Palestinian casualties, including more than 17,100 in the first two months.

Israel claims that Hamas uses hospitals for military operations, including as command centers and weapons depots, and has provided footage that it says supports these claims. Hamas denies these allegations, and the videos have not been definitively verified.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they do not target hospitals, accusing Hamas of exploiting medical facilities. The devastation of Gaza's health infrastructure has had severe consequences for civilians, who rely on these hospitals for care and shelter, especially during the conflict.