Thousands flee Gaza’s main hospital but hundreds, including babies, still trapped by fighting

4

Thousands have evacuated Gaza’s main hospital amid clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, yet hundreds remain trapped, including numerous infants at risk due to power shortages. Officials reported on Monday that despite efforts to establish safe passages, heavy fighting and communication challenges hinder a clear understanding of the situation.

The Israeli military claims it facilitated safe exits and provided fuel to power the hospital’s generators, allegations disputed by Hamas and Palestinian health officials. The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated that the hospital lacks water and is no longer functional.

The conflict, now in its sixth week, began with a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in significant casualties and displacement among Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Shifa Hospital symbolizes the war’s impact, with its corridors housing thousands displaced by airstrikes and its medical staff struggling to treat patients under extreme conditions.

Israel accuses Hamas of using the hospital as a shield, a claim unsupported by evidence and denied by Hamas and hospital staff. Mohammed Zaqout, director of Gaza’s hospitals, reports approximately 650 patients and 2,500 displaced persons sheltering at Shifa, with the Health Ministry earlier estimating higher numbers.

As Israeli forces tightened their encirclement, many fled the hospital, leaving behind patients requiring specialized transport. Several healthcare facilities in Gaza have closed or are operating at full capacity, complicating relocation efforts.

Since the hospital’s generator failed on Saturday, the Health Ministry reports multiple deaths, including infants, with more at risk due to the lack of power for essential medical equipment. The military’s offer to assist in moving babies has yet to materialize.

Medical Aid for Palestinians highlights the complexity of transferring critically ill infants, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire to facilitate fuel delivery. Doctors Without Borders’ president, Christos Christou, indicated that patient evacuation could take weeks.

The U.S. advocates for temporary ceasefires to distribute aid, but Israel only allows limited civilian movement. Israeli strikes continue in southern Gaza, leading to significant civilian casualties.

The Health Ministry in Gaza reports over 11,000 Palestinian deaths, including a majority of women and minors, without distinguishing between civilians and militants. Israeli casualties include approximately 1,200, mostly civilians, with Palestinian militants holding nearly 240 hostages. On the Israeli side, about 250,000 have evacuated due to ongoing rocket attacks and border conflicts with Hezbollah.

Reported by Magdy from Cairo.

For full coverage, visit https://bigbignews.net/israel-hamas-war.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gaza hospital crisis

More about Gaza hospital crisis

• Gaza Hospital Humanitarian Crisis
• Shifa Hospital in Conflict
• Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Updates
• Gaza Health Ministry Reports
• International Response to Gaza Crisis
• Medical Challenges in Gaza Conflict
• Casualty Figures in Gaza-Israel Conflict