Palestinian International Organization for Peace and Human Rights
June 4, 2025
Successive strikes on the administrative building
On the morning of June 4, 2025, the roof of the administration building at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah was struck by three consecutive drone strikes in less than an hour, according to reports. Water tanks and pipes were damaged, and a state of panic ensued among patients and medical staff.
Partial shutdown despite no direct injuries
The original report did not mention any injuries among patients or staff as a result of the strikes, but it did indicate that parts of the hospital were evacuated and operations were partially disrupted. This incident highlights that damage to water sources and infrastructure can undermine a hospital’s ability to function even without direct casualties.
The importance of water in medical facilities
Emergency, operating, and sterilization departments require a continuous supply of water and power. With shortages of spare parts and medical supplies in the sector, infrastructure damage could escalate into a further health crisis affecting even more hospital users.
The need for verification and prevention of duplication
Protecting medical facilities requires investigating the causes of attacks and assessing the precautions taken, as well as repairing water networks and providing a safe environment for patients and staff. The continuity of emergency services must remain a priority during armed conflicts.
The featured image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the event itself. The aftermath of the destruction in Beit Lahia, Gaza, February 2025. This is an archive photo and does not show Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Photo by: Jaber Jihad Badwan, License CC BY-SA 4.0 — Image page.
