The health system in northern Gaza collapses as Israel intensifies its “Gideon’s Chariots” operation; over 100 killed in airstrikes targeting civilians and displacement shelters.
May 18, 2025: Gaza City:
In a severe escalation of violence, the northern Gaza Strip is now without a single functioning hospital, the Hamas-run health ministry confirmed on Sunday. The development follows intensified Israeli air and ground attacks across the enclave, with at least 103 people reported killed overnight.
According to a statement from the health ministry, the Indonesian hospital — the last operational public hospital in northern Gaza — has gone “out of service” due to a heavy Israeli siege. “The Israeli occupation has intensified its siege with heavy fire around the Indonesian hospital, preventing the arrival of patients, medical staff, and supplies — effectively forcing the hospital out of service,” said the ministry, as quoted by AFP.
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“All public hospitals in the North Gaza governorate are now out of service,” the statement added.
Civilian Casualties Mount
The renewed offensive, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots”, has seen widespread strikes across Gaza. In the southern city of Khan Younis alone, 48 people were killed, including 18 children and 13 women, according to Nasser Hospital spokesperson Weam Fares. Many of the victims were in tents or homes sheltering displaced families.
In northern Gaza’s densely populated Jabaliya refugee camp, two separate strikes killed 19 people — nine from a single family in one home, and ten (including seven children and one woman) in another, said emergency and civil defense officials.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not commented on the overnight operations. Israel continues to claim that Hamas’s use of civilian areas for military purposes is responsible for the high civilian toll.
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Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The closure of hospitals in northern Gaza threatens to create a catastrophic public health emergency as civilians are left without access to basic medical care. The situation is further exacerbated by Israel’s plans under Operation Gideon’s Chariots to seize more territory, push civilians southward, and tighten control over humanitarian aid.
The war, now entering its 20th month, began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas launched a deadly cross-border attack on Israel, killing hundreds and taking hostages. Despite a brief ceasefire earlier this year and the release of most hostages, Israel has vowed to continue its campaign until Hamas is fully disarmed — a demand the militant group has rejected.
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Gaza hospitals, Israel Hamas war, Gideon’s Chariots, Indonesian hospital Gaza, Gaza death toll, IDF strikes Gaza, Khan Younis airstrike, Jabaliya refugee camp, civilian casualties Gaza, Operation Gideon’s Chariots, humanitarian crisis Gaza, Israeli military offensive, Hamas disarmament, Middle East conflict