Palestinians call for evacuation of hundreds of patients and newborns from Gaza’s largest hospital

Palestinian officials have requested the Red Cross to oversee an evacuation from Gaza’s main hospital, currently surrounded by Israeli forces amidst ongoing hostilities. The hospital, facing critical shortages and power outages, is unable to operate essential medical equipment, including incubators for about three dozen newborns. This dire situation has made Shifa Hospital a poignant symbol of the suffering endured in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The conflict, now in its sixth week, began with an unexpected assault by Hamas into Israel, leading to significant civilian casualties and hostage-taking. Amidst the violence, thousands of Palestinians are fleeing to increasingly harsh conditions in the south, as reported by the U.N. humanitarian office.

The situation at Gaza’s hospitals is worsening. Israel alleges that Hamas is using these hospitals, including Shifa, as military cover, a claim both Hamas and hospital staff deny. The Health Ministry in Gaza has reported numerous deaths due to the lack of fuel for emergency generators, contradicting Israeli claims that Hamas is blocking fuel access.

The Health Ministry has proposed evacuating the hospital under Red Cross supervision to Egyptian hospitals, but there’s been no response yet. The deteriorating situation in Gaza’s south is marked by overcrowding in U.N.-run shelters, scarce resources, and deteriorating sanitary conditions.

The Israeli military has released footage purportedly showing weapons in a children’s hospital, which the Health Ministry disputes. Efforts by the Red Cross to evacuate thousands from another hospital were thwarted by ongoing conflict.

The ongoing war has led to significant casualties on both sides, with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting thousands of deaths, including a high proportion of women and children. Israeli casualties are also substantial, including civilian and military losses. The conflict has extended to the West Bank, further escalating regional tensions.

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More about Gaza humanitarian crisis

• Gaza’s Largest Hospital Crisis
• Israel-Hamas Conflict Overview
• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
• Shifa Hospital Evacuation Proposal
• Allegations of Hamas Using Hospitals Militarily
• Civilian Impact of Gaza Conflict
• Casualty Statistics in Israel-Hamas War