ISRAEL has unleashed a series of air attacks on the Gaza Strip that killed nearly 90 people, including many children in their sleep, as its main ally the United States once again vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire.
At least 66 people were killed in an attack early yesterday that hit a residential neighbourhood in Beit Lahiya, in Gaza’s besieged north, Palestinian health officials said.
Hussam Abu Safia, the director of the nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital, told Al Jazeera most of the victims “were asleep when they were killed”.
“A very large number of casualties has arrived, and there are still many bodies hanging on the walls, ceilings. It’s mostly children and women,” he said in a voice message.
Abu Safia said hospital staff rushed to the site, retrieving bodies, collecting remains and rescuing trapped people.
“We are already operating with the bare minimum resources, that is why most of our staff are now busy rescuing the injured due to the lack of ambulances and resources,” the paediatrician added.
“The situation is honestly very dire. We cannot cope with this massive number of injured and casualties that have arrived to Kamal Adwan Hospital.”
Yesterday, at least 22 people, including 10 children, were killed in Israeli bombardment of Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, a civil defence spokesman said.
Deputy envoy Robert Wood said the US, which provides Israel with at least $3.8bn in military aid annually, could not back the measure because it was not linked to the immediate release of those held in Gaza.
“We made clear throughout negotiations we could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages,” he said.
