Ten Children Killed By Airstrike Outside Project HOPE’s Gaza Clinic
This morning, an airstrike hit a civilian area in Gaza near the Altayara Junction in Deir al Balah, directly in front of Project HOPE’s Altayara health clinic, killing 15 civilians, including 10 children and two women, and injuring many more. The strike occurred as patients had gathered outside the clinic, awaiting its opening to receive treatment for malnutrition, infections, chronic illnesses, and more.
Project HOPE’s President and CEO, Rabih Torbay:
“Project HOPE’s health clinics are a place of refuge in Gaza where people bring their small children, women access pregnancy and postpartum care, people receive treatment for malnutrition, and more. Yet, this morning, innocent families were mercilessly attacked as they stood in line waiting for the doors to open. At least 15 people were killed – 10 of whom were children – and many more are injured. Horrified and heartbroken cannot properly communicate how we feel anymore.
“This is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, and a stark reminder that no one and no place is safe in Gaza, even as ceasefire talks continue. This cannot continue. Project HOPE urgently calls for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and a dramatic scale-up of aid to meet the urgent needs of Gaza’s civilian population.”
As a precautionary measure, operations at Altayara Clinic have been suspended until further notice. Fortunately, no Project HOPE staff were present at the clinic during the strike, and none were injured. The team has been reassigned to another health facility in Deir al Balah, where they are continuing to provide our services with increased security consideration.
Since December 2023, Project HOPE has been on the frontlines of the health response in Gaza, operating primary health clinics and providing essential services including maternal health, emergency care, and specialized surgical support. The organization has deployed midwives to conflict-affected areas and surgical experts to Al Aqsa and Public Aid Hospitals, supported maternity care at Al Sahaba Hospital, and delivered over 21,000 pounds of medical supplies. Project HOPE also continues to provide clean water, sanitation, protection, gender-based violence services, and mental health and psychosocial support to displaced communities across Gaza.
To schedule an interview, contact media@projecthope.org.
