Palestinians say 40 killed in Gaza strikes; children’s hospital targeted by drone, no injuries

At least 40 people were killed across the Gaza Strip today in Israel’s latest strikes, including 30 in Gaza City, Hamas-run local health authorities says. They also report a drone attack on a specialist children’s hospital, which did not cause casualties but forced young patients and their families outside.

A day after Israel announced the launch of its ground offensive to seize control of Gaza’s main urban center, tanks had moved short distances towards the city’s central and western areas from three directions, but no major advance was reported.

An Israeli official said military operations were focused on getting civilians to head south and that fighting would intensify over the next month or two.

The Hamas-run government’s Ministry of Health says an Israeli drone dropped grenades on one floor of the Rantissi children’s hospital. No casualties were reported but the ministry said some 40 families took their children away.

“This hospital is the only specialist facility for children with cancer, kidney failure, and other life-threatening conditions – but even these gravely ill children are not spared from relentless bombardment,” says Fikr Shalltoot, Gaza director at the UK-based charity Medical Aid for Palestinians.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Hamas figures could not be verified and do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.