“She was only getting treatment in a medical facility. Why did they kill them?” she said at a nearby hospital.

“The strike occurred as patients had gathered outside the clinic, awaiting its opening to receive treatment for malnutrition, infections, chronic illnesses, and more.”

‘Blatant violation of international law’

The Deir al-Balah missile strike came as Israeli and Hamas negotiators hold talks with mediators in Qatar over a proposed 60-day ceasefire and hostage release deal aimed at building agreement on a lasting truce.

“We are forced to place four, five or sometimes three premature babies in one incubator,” said Dr Mohammed Abu Selmia, the hospital director, adding that premature babies were now in a critical condition.

Premature babies are being treated amid Israeli attacks at the al-Hilu Hospital. The fuel crisis affecting all hospitals could lead to the failure of generators and vital equipment. Source: Getty / Anadolu

An Israeli military official said fuel destined for hospitals and other humanitarian facilities was let into the enclave on Thursday and Friday AEST.

In a statement from Washington, he reiterated Israel’s terms for ending the war, including Hamas disarming and no longer ruling Gaza. Hamas has rejected calls to lay down its weapons.