Dozens of Palestinians were injured or killed by Israeli strikes in central Gaza yesterday morning, one of which hit the grounds of Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, according to health officials and the U.N.
Scores of families had set up camp in the hospital compound’s parking lot, believing that international laws prohibiting attacks on hospitals would provide them a safe place to shelter. The strike resulted in significant destruction, with flames spreading from tent to tent and reports of agony and charred human remains.
Mahmoud Wadi, a 20-year-old whose extended family had been living on the hospital grounds for months, described the situation as “like living inside a recurring nightmare.” He noted that it was the seventh hospital strike his family had witnessed, saying, “Every time we sleep, we wake up to this same scenario of tents struck, people screaming.”
Contextually, Israel has faced criticism for targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, throughout the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Israeli military stated that it was targeting a Hamas command center near the hospital and suggested that the subsequent fire was likely caused by secondary explosions.
Additionally, a Times investigation revealed that Israeli troops have reportedly forced captured Gazans to perform life-threatening tasks, a practice considered illegal under both Israeli and international law.
With three weeks remaining until Election Day, polling averages indicate that Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are essentially tied in seven battleground states. Analyst Nate Cohn remarked on the rarity of such close polling in critical states at this stage of an election.
In this tightly contested race, even minor shifts in polling could have significant implications, and both candidates have child tax-credit plans that differ markedly.
In a related diplomatic development, Canada expelled India’s high commissioner and five other diplomats, accusing the Indian government of orchestrating homicides and extortion to intimidate Sikh separatists in Canada. India responded by expelling six Canadians, including a senior diplomat.
This tit-for-tat expulsion escalates tensions stemming from last year’s assassination of Sikh cleric Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, with Canada accusing India of involvement, while India claims the allegations are politically motivated.
In sports and culture, a new wave of comedians in Ukraine is attempting to bring humor to a war-torn environment, while Lilly Ledbetter, known for her pivotal role in advancing the Fair Pay Act, has passed away at the age of 86.
Artist Bjarne Melgaard is suing to void a contract that led him to forfeit significant rights to his artworks in exchange for debt relief, with a Norwegian court set to hear the case.
For daily recommendations, a quick meal, health tips, travel insights, and style commentary are provided, alongside a note regarding a correction in a previous briefing.