Thousands Flee Gaza City’s Main Hospital as Israeli Assault Intensifies

In the face of escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, thousands of Palestinians have evacuated Gaza City’s principal hospital, seeking refuge to the south. This mass departure occurred after reported bombardments near the hospital compound, adding to the increasing number of individuals fleeing the northern regions’ intense urban combat. Officials in Gaza report that the death toll in the territory has now exceeded 11,000.

The quest for safe havens within the besieged Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly dire as Israel amplifies its attacks on the region’s largest city.

According to the Israel army, Hamas has strategically positioned its military infrastructure within the city’s hospitals and residential areas. In response to Hamas’ unexpected assault on October 7, Israel has pledged to dismantle the organization’s capabilities.

In the last two days, over 100,000 Palestinians have headed south, a movement confirmed by Israeli sources. However, they continue to face perilous conditions, including bombardment. Overnight attacks on at least four hospitals in northern Gaza highlight the ongoing risks for the tens of thousands sheltering in these facilities.

Evacuations Amid Hospital Attacks

Early on Friday, Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility, was struck by at least three rounds of artillery. These strikes, which hit the hospital’s courtyard and obstetrics department, were reported by Ashraf al-Qidra, a spokesperson for the Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza.

A captured video from the scene reveals the chaos following the strikes, with shouts for medical aid and a man in agony due to a severe leg injury. The responsibility for these attacks has been attributed to Israel by al-Qidra, but independent verification is not available.

The Israeli military counters these claims, asserting that Hamas has established a primary command center at Shifa, a claim both the militant group and hospital staff refute.

For weeks, Shifa has provided refuge to an estimated 60,000 displaced Palestinians. The recent attacks prompted a large-scale evacuation from the hospital. According to eyewitness reports, most of the displaced individuals, except those unable to move or without a destination, vacated the premises.

Amidst this turmoil, Shifa has also been grappling with an influx of wounded, operating under severe limitations in power and medical supplies. The Health Ministry released footage showing overwhelmed hospital conditions, with injured and deceased patients, including children, receiving inadequate care due to resource constraints.

Mounting Civilian Toll and International Reaction

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 11,070 Palestinian deaths, primarily women and minors, with an additional 2,650 people reported missing. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed concern over the high number of Palestinian casualties, urging for more effective measures to reduce civilian harm.

Israeli casualties, predominantly from Hamas’ initial attack, exceed 1,400, along with 41 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza. Nearly 240 Israelis have been abducted by Hamas.

Despite the escalating violence, Palestinian militants continue to launch rockets into Israel, with recent strikes in Tel Aviv causing injuries.

Israeli evacuations have also been extensive, affecting around 250,000 citizens near Gaza and the Lebanese border, where clashes with Hezbollah militants have occurred.

International Perspectives and Coverage

This report incorporates contributions from various international correspondents and is part of comprehensive coverage available at Big Big News.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gaza Evacuation

More about Gaza Evacuation

• Gaza City Hospital Evacuation
• Impact of Israel-Hamas Conflict on Gaza’s Healthcare
• Gaza Conflict Casualty Figures
• International Reactions to Gaza Conflict
• Status of Medical Facilities in Gaza