A senior official from the World Health Organization on Monday called the situation in Gaza hospitals “catastrophic,” noting that most hospitals are no longer operational. The remaining facilities are expected to face overwhelming challenges, particularly with the anticipated surge in thousands of births in the coming month. This assessment was shared in a United Nations briefing that followed an incident where a shell struck the second floor of a hospital in northern Gaza, resulting in the tragic death of 12 individuals, as reported by the Hamas-led Health Ministry and a medical worker. However, Israel denied shelling the hospital, asserting that its troops responded to militants inside the compound.
Gaza‘s hospitals play a significant role in the narrative battle over the conflict’s impact on Palestinian civilians. Israel aims to eradicate Hamas, alleging its use of civilians as human shields, a claim denied by hospital officials and Hamas.
Evacuation efforts in Gaza
Israeli forces continued their offensive against Hamas in northern Gaza on Monday, engaging militants around a hospital where thousands of patients and displaced people sought shelter. Efforts coordinated by the UN and the Red Cross led to the evacuation of wounded patients from Indonesia Hospital. Displaced Palestinians were sheltering at the hospital, and trucks from Egypt delivered equipment to set up a field hospital in Khan Younis.
Amid the offensive, 28 premature babies were evacuated from Shifa Hospital to Egypt by the World Health Organization. Additional patients were transferred to an Emirati-run hospital in Rafah.
Claims Regarding Shifa Hospital
After evacuating premature babies from Shifa, more than 250 patients with severe conditions remain. Israel alleges a Hamas command post under Shifa, presenting evidence of tunnels and hostages. Hamas and hospital staff deny these allegations.
Ongoing Military Operations
Israeli troops battled Hamas in the Jabaliya refugee camp, moving through the city center to Shifa and working to uproot militants from eastern areas. A medical worker at the Indonesian Hospital reported gunfire and proximity to Israeli tanks.
Overall Casualties and Negotiations
Israel has ordered Palestinians to leave northern Gaza, which has led to a displacement of nearly three-quarters of the population.
Over 12,700 Palestinians, including minors and women, have been killed in Gaza. The ongoing violence has also claimed about 1,200 lives on the Israeli side. Hostage negotiations between Israel, the United States, Qatar, and Hamas continue, with families expressing disappointment over priorities.
(With Agency Inputs)