Indonesian Hospital Under Siege as Israel Intensifies Gaza Offensive

Israeli forces have encircled the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, amid a relentless military operation to seize territory across the Strip. The Hamas-controlled health ministry reports that the siege has led to sustained gunfire, effectively halting the arrival of medical supplies, patients, and staff. This latest escalation compounds the humanitarian crisis already overwhelming the besieged Palestinian enclave.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they had launched what they described as "extensive ground operations" in Gaza. This offensive is being conducted under the name "Operation Gideon's Chariots" and aims to dismantle Hamas infrastructure, including what the IDF labels terrorist strongholds. The intensified military push comes during one of the deadliest periods of airstrikes in recent months.

In the last 24 hours alone, at least 67 Palestinians have died and 361 more have been injured, according to Gaza's health ministry. The same ministry added that three public hospitals in North Gaza are no longer functioning. Medical staff are overwhelmed and supplies have reached critically low levels, raising fears of a total healthcare collapse in the region.

Dr. Mohammed Salha, director of the al-Awda private hospital in northern Gaza, told the BBC that the closure of the Indonesian Hospital is directly affecting their ability to provide care. Al-Awda relies heavily on the Indonesian facility for essential resources such as oxygen and intensive care services. The situation is rapidly deteriorating as vital support systems are disrupted.

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Dr. Salha also reported that his hospital had sustained considerable damage due to a nearby bombing. The overnight airstrike caused major destruction, forcing hospital staff to scramble for emergency repairs. The assault left parts of the facility in disarray, complicating efforts to treat an ever-growing number of injured civilians in the war-torn region.

Further south, Israeli strikes targeted key medical facilities in Khan Younis, including the Nasser Medical Complex and the European Hospital. The IDF accused Hamas of operating a command center beneath the latter. Israeli forces said they carried out a "precise strike" targeting what they alleged were Hamas operatives hiding in the hospital’s lower levels.

According to Israeli media, the intended target in Khan Younis was Mohammed Sinwar, the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, a prominent former Hamas leader. Strikes also resumed in northern Gaza, impacting Beit Lahia and the Jabalia refugee camp. Civil defense teams continue to recover victims from debris as shelling devastates civilian areas.

Israel resumed its military campaign on March 18, ending a fragile ceasefire that lasted two months. Since then, thousands have been killed in a renewed wave of violence. Israeli officials state the campaign seeks to release hostages and defeat Hamas completely, though global observers warn the cost to civilians is catastrophic.

Meanwhile, indirect ceasefire talks resumed in Qatar. Hamas proposed releasing nine hostages in return for a 60-day truce, the entry of 400 daily aid trucks, and medical evacuations. Israel, however, insisted on verified proof of life and details about all remaining hostages, maintaining its refusal to withdraw troops or declare an end to the conflict.