Fact Check: Did Israeli Airstrikes Kill 80 in Gaza and Knock Out a Cancer Hospital?

Claim:
Viral reports and social media posts claim that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 80 Palestinians in Gaza and rendered a cancer hospital non-functional.

Verdict: True

What’s Being Claimed

Multiple media outlets and social media users reported that Israeli airstrikes on May 16, 2024, killed at least 80 Palestinians, including women and children, and severely damaged healthcare infrastructure — notably the Gaza European Hospital, which was reportedly the only facility treating cancer patients in the enclave.

Fact Check Analysis

Verified by Credible Sources

The claim has been confirmed by various international news agencies, including statements from Palestinian health authorities. According to the reports:

• 54 people were killed in Khan Younis alone, as confirmed by the Nasser Hospital in a press release.
• Another 26 deaths occurred in Gaza City and northern areas due to Israeli air raids.
• The Gaza European Hospital, which provided cancer treatment, was declared out of service due to structural damage from airstrikes.

Damage included:

• Destruction of internal departments
• Ruined sewage lines
• Roads to the hospital rendered impassable

Context: Ongoing Conflict

• These strikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would enter Gaza “with full force” to continue operations against Hamas.
• Israel resumed military activity on March 18, 2024, after a two-month ceasefire ended.
• Since March 18, 2,876 Palestinians have been killed, and over 7,800 injured.
• As of May 16, the total Palestinian death toll since October 7, 2023, stands at 53,010, per Gaza health officials.

Humanitarian Situation

• No humanitarian aid has reached Gaza since March 2, 2024.
• The Gaza Civil Defence accused Israeli forces of targeting shelters and emergency teams, and “systematically destroying” civil defense infrastructure.
• A U.S.-backed humanitarian body is expected to begin work by the end of May, but international aid groups urge immediate resumption of deliveries.

Conclusion

The claim that Israeli airstrikes on May 16 killed 80 Palestinians, including women and children, and rendered a cancer hospital out of service in Gaza is accurate and supported by official health sources and international news reports. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with significant impacts on healthcare, infrastructure, and civilian safety.

Rating: True