Dubai – The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed grave concern over the safety of premature babies on life support, hundreds of sick and injured patients, and health workers at Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital. The hospital remains under Israeli siege, and WHO has reported losing communication with its contacts there.
The ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement have created a dire situation at Al-Shifa Hospital. The WHO fears for the lives of the vulnerable individuals who are at risk due to the lack of communication and the deteriorating conditions caused by the siege.
The health organization believes that its contacts at the hospital may have joined the tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians who are fleeing from northern Gaza. As reports of repeated attacks on the hospital continue to emerge, the situation is increasingly alarming.
In a devastating development, the cardiac ward of Al-Shifa Hospital was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike. Youssef Abu Rish, deputy health minister, confirmed that the two-story building housing the cardiac department was completely demolished. This destructive attack further exacerbates the already critical situation at the hospital.
According to the Health Ministry, there are still approximately 1,500 patients at Al-Shifa Hospital, along with 1,500 medical personnel. Additionally, between 15,000 and 20,000 people seeking shelter have sought refuge there. While some have managed to flee the hospital and other targeted medical facilities, it is impossible for everyone to escape the violence.
The International Committee of the Red Cross director general, Robert Mardini, described the situation at Al-Shifa as “unbearably desperate” and called for immediate action to address the crisis.
The Israeli strikes on Gaza have intensified, with Gaza City experiencing heavy bombardment and ground forces engaging Hamas militants near Al-Shifa Hospital. The situation has left thousands of medics, patients, and displaced people trapped without electricity and with dwindling supplies.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address, rejected international calls for a ceasefire unless the release of all 239 hostages captured by Hamas on October 7 is included. Israel has faced mounting pressure from the international community, including its closest ally, the United States, to end the conflict.
A gathering of 57 Muslim and Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia called for an end to the war, while an estimated one million pro-Palestinian protesters marched peacefully in London, according to organizers.
Reports from Gaza City indicate heavy airstrikes and shelling, including in the vicinity of Al-Shifa Hospital. Israel has accused Hamas of using the hospital compound as a concealment for a command post, but these allegations have been denied by Hamas and hospital staff.
The dire situation at Al-Shifa Hospital has been compounded by the hospital’s last generator running out of fuel, resulting in the deaths of a premature baby, another child in an incubator, and four other patients, according to the health ministry. Hospital director Mohammed Abu Selmia reported that medical devices stopped functioning, leading to the deaths of patients, particularly those in intensive care. Israeli troops have reportedly been shooting at anyone outside or inside the hospital and restricting movement between buildings.
The WHO and international community continue to call for an immediate end to the violence and the protection of civilians, particularly those seeking medical care and healthcare workers. The urgency to address the situation at Al-Shifa Hospital and alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable individuals trapped inside is paramount.
