Fact Check: Every one of Gaza's 36 main hospitals has been attacked or destroyed by Israel.

Fact Check: "Every one of Gaza's 36 main hospitals has been attacked or destroyed by Israel."

What We Know

The claim that every one of Gaza's 36 main hospitals has been attacked or destroyed by Israel is partially supported by recent reports. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only 19 of Gaza's 36 hospitals remain operational as of May 2025. The WHO has documented a total of 697 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza since October 2023, with 28 attacks occurring in just the past week. This has resulted in significant operational challenges for the remaining hospitals, which are struggling with severe shortages of supplies and staff, as well as ongoing security threats.

Specifically, four major hospitals—Kamal Adwan Hospital, Indonesia Hospital, Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics, and European Gaza Hospital—have had to suspend medical services due to their proximity to hostilities or evacuation zones. Additionally, at least 94% of all hospitals in the Gaza Strip are reported to be damaged or destroyed, indicating a widespread impact on healthcare infrastructure (WHO).

Analysis

While the claim suggests that every hospital has been attacked or destroyed, the evidence indicates a more nuanced situation. The WHO's report confirms that 19 hospitals are still operational, albeit under dire conditions, and that many have been affected by attacks or military operations (WHO). This means that while a significant number of hospitals have faced destruction or severe operational challenges, not all have been completely destroyed.

The Wikipedia entry on attacks on health facilities during the Gaza war also supports the assertion that healthcare facilities have been targeted, noting a high number of attacks and casualties among healthcare workers (Wikipedia). However, it does not explicitly state that all hospitals have been attacked or destroyed.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high. The WHO is a reputable international health organization, and its reports are based on systematic data collection and analysis. Wikipedia, while a useful starting point, is less reliable due to its open-edit nature, but it does compile information from various credible sources.

Conclusion

The claim that "every one of Gaza's 36 main hospitals has been attacked or destroyed by Israel" is Partially True. While a significant number of hospitals have indeed been attacked and many are non-operational, 19 hospitals remain functional, albeit under extreme duress. The situation is dire, with a vast majority of healthcare facilities suffering damage, but the absolute claim of total destruction does not hold up under scrutiny.

Fact Check: Every one of Gaza's 36 main hospitals has been attacked or destroyed by Israel.