Heavy fighting rages near main Gaza hospital and people trapped inside say they cannot flee

Intense combat is occurring close to Gaza’s main hospital, with Israeli troops engaging Hamas fighters. The hospital, currently lacking electricity and under supplied, is sheltering thousands of people, including staff and patients. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses to agree to a ceasefire without the liberation of approximately 240 hostages taken by Hamas during the conflict’s onset on October 7. Netanyahu is adamant about using Israel’s full military strength to dismantle Hamas’ long-standing governance in Gaza.

Amidst the chaos, airstrikes and shelling are rampant, particularly around Shifa Hospital. Israel claims, without proof, that Hamas is operating a command center within the hospital, a claim both Hamas and hospital officials refute. Residents, like Ahmed al-Boursh, describe a night of terror, with Israeli forces close to the hospital.

The hospital, protected under international war regulations, lost power after its last generator ran out of fuel. This resulted in the deaths of several patients, including premature infants. Munir al-Boursh of the Health Ministry reports Israeli snipers surrounding the hospital, hindering aid to the injured.

The situation remains critical, with conflicting reports about evacuations and aid offers. Israel asserts that they have facilitated evacuations and offered fuel, which the hospital allegedly refused. However, the Health Ministry denies these claims, stating that many people are too frightened to leave the hospital. The exact circumstances in and around Shifa Hospital are difficult to verify independently.

Gaza’s healthcare system is under severe strain, with many hospitals closed or overburdened. International bodies, including the U.N., are calling for immediate action to prevent further loss of life and attacks on medical facilities. The U.S. is advocating for temporary ceasefires to allow humanitarian aid distribution.

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, in a social media post, urged the EU to apply the same standards to Israel as to Ukraine, criticizing alleged war crimes. Meanwhile, the war has displaced a significant portion of Gaza’s population, with many seeking refuge in the southern regions and abroad.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is resisting international pressure, outlining post-war plans that diverge from U.S. visions. He suggests a demilitarized Gaza with Israeli freedom to pursue militants, rejecting the notion of Palestinian Authority control over Gaza.

This crisis has heightened regional tensions, with exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement, exacerbating humanitarian concerns in the region.

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More about Gaza-Israel conflict

• Gaza-Israel Conflict Overview
• Israeli-Hamas War Developments
• Middle East Tensions Analysis
• Gaza’s Healthcare Crisis Report
• International Response to Gaza Conflict
• Netanyahu’s Post-War Plans for Gaza
• Palestinian Authority and Gaza Control Debate
• Humanitarian Aid and Ceasefire Efforts in Gaza