The Palestinian Ministry of Health has strongly condemned the “heinous crime” committed by Israeli forces after the destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, Gaza’s only facility dedicated to treating cancer patients. In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry accused Israeli forces of deliberately targeting the hospital, located near the Netzarim corridor, an area recently reoccupied by the Israeli military.  

The ministry highlighted that during previous Israeli offensives in the region, the hospital had been converted into a military base by Israeli forces. It described Israel’s actions as part of a systematic effort to dismantle Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system, which has been pushed to the brink of collapse under Israel’s ongoing blockade and military aggression.  

The Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital had provided life-saving treatment to thousands of cancer patients, who now face the grim reality of being cut off from essential care, both within Gaza and abroad, due to Israel’s siege.  

Friday’s attack is the latest blow to Gaza’s decimated medical infrastructure, which has suffered extensive damage during Israel’s genocidal campaign in the enclave. Since the start of the war in October 2023, over 162 healthcare facilities have been targeted, more than 360 medical staff have been arrested, and at least three doctors have died in Israeli detention.  

Major hospitals, including Kamal Adwan, Al-Awda, and Al-Shifa, have been subjected to raids, sieges, and direct attacks, severely disrupting critical medical services. The Palestinian Health Ministry warned that Israel’s systematic targeting of healthcare facilities and personnel constitutes a grave violation of international law and exacerbates the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.  

As the international community remains largely silent, the people of Gaza continue to endure unimaginable suffering, with their access to healthcare increasingly under threat. The destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital underscores the urgent need for global action to hold Israel accountable and protect the rights of Palestinians to life and health.