- Title: Survivors recall horror after Israeli bombing of Baptist Hospital in Gaza
- Date: 16th April 2025
- Summary: Survivors recall horror after Israeli bombing of Baptist Hospital in Gaza SHOTLIST: GAZA, PALESTINE (APRIL 16, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. PATIENTS AROUND AL-AHLI BAPTIST HOSPITAL 2. INTERVIEW WITH PALESTINIAN PATIENT MOHAMMED ABU NASR 3. INTERVIEW WITH ANOTHER PATIENT AHMED AVDE 4. INTERVIEW WITH MUSA AYYAD, ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR OF AL-AHLI BAPTIST HOSPITAL ANADOLU SCRIPT: Eyewitnesses to Israel's attack on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip described the terrifying moments they experienced and explained the humanitarian crisis caused by the hospital bombing. Founded in 1881 and operated by the Anglican Church in Jerusalem, the hospital was bombed again on April 13, 2025, following the Israeli attack on October 17, 2023, in which 471 people were killed. Patients and the wounded receiving treatment at the hospital did not know what to do during the brief 15-minute period between the evacuation order and the attack. While some patients were transferred to other hospitals, most of the critically ill remained at the hospital during the assault. Despite the trauma of the horrific attack, Palestinians who survived expressed their gratitude to Allah, and described the terrifying moments they experienced, the difficulties they faced, and how their treatment was disrupted. Musa Ayyad, administrative coordinator of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, said there were only 15 minutes between the evacuation order and the attack, leaving patients and the wounded in a desperate situation. "Some relatives had to walk 5 to 8 kilometers carrying their injured loved ones because there were not enough ambulances," he added. Mohammed Abu Nasr, a patient, said, "This hospital was the only safe place in the north, but now there isn’t a single safe spot left." He described the moment of the attack as terrifying: "We were so scared we didn’t even understand what was happening." Ahmed Avde, another patient, explained, "I couldn’t leave because I didn’t have a wheelchair or crutches; we said there’s nothing worse that could happen and stayed in the hospital." He added that he never thought they would actually strike the hospital. Afaf El-Hurani, a patient’s relative, recalled, "The wounded were shouting ‘Don’t leave us, take us with you.’ It was extremely difficult to make our way through the rubble with a hospital bed." She said the amputated little girl kept asking, "When will I walk again?" and lamented that the children no longer had any hope left. Hind El-Hurani, a 9-year-old amputee, said, "When the evacuation order came, we rushed to the street. Due to overcrowding we first stayed outside, and then were taken into the hospital." Hiba El-Hurani explained in tears, "Our tent was targeted, we were wounded, then operated on at Al-Ahli Baptist. When that got hit, we came to the field hospital. All I want is to walk again." Hasan al-Shaer, medical director of Al-Shifa Hospital, stated, "Some 40 to 50 patients arrived from Al-Ahli Baptist on their beds; most needed surgery but resources are inadequate." He warned the health system is collapsing due to ongoing attacks, lack of supplies, and staff leaving the country. Margaret Harris, WHO spokesperson, said Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital remains out of service and cannot be repaired due to the Israeli blockade. The Israeli army renewed its assault on Gaza on March 18, shattering a Jan. 19 ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement. At least 51,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed in Gaza in a brutal Israeli onslaught since October 2023. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
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