The only hospital in the central Gaza Strip was struck by Israeli tanks in Deir al-Balah on July 21, 2014.

Photographs Shady Alassar

Middle East Eye reported the following,

“The al-Aqsa hospital in central Gaza was hit at around 4pm local time (14:00 GMT). At least five people, including a patient were killed and 70 wounded, with reports emerging that ambulances, that rushed to transport the wounded, were also targeted. According to Palestinian officials it was the only hospital servicing some 350,000 Palestinians although it has been badly damaged in the attack.

The Palestinian Health Minister quickly lashed out at the strike describing it as “barbaric” while human rights groups called on Israel to abide by international law and do everything in its power to protect medical facilities and civilians.”

– See more at: http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/bloodiest-day-fighting-gaza-so-far-death-toll-climbs-573-1445808282#sthash.EA8fzzZQ.dpuf

My friend Gazan photographer Shady Alassar went to view the damage and took the following photographs.

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.