Intense Battle in Gaza City: Hospital Under Siege, Lives at Risk

Intense Battle in Gaza City Amidst International Tensions

Saturday witnessed a fierce battle in Gaza City’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, as fuel shortages and power outages escalated the conflict. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) vehemently denied launching a siege attack on the hospital, claiming it was situated above a Hamas tunnel. However, Israeli military officials confirmed ongoing intense fighting with Hamas in the vicinity.

In the midst of chaos, the hospital faced a devastating situation. Two premature infants tragically lost their lives, and 37 other babies were put at risk due to the power outage. Urgent requests were made by hospital staff to relocate the infants to a safer facility. Additionally, another patient lost their life when an Israeli missile struck the intensive care unit.

Crisis at Al-Shifa Hospital

The director of Al-Shifa Hospital, Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, expressed his anguish as lives were being lost in rapid succession. The hospital faced an increasingly dire situation with no official supply of electricity, internet, or water, and a shortage of medical supplies.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) lamented that Gaza’s medical system had reached an irreversible breaking point after over a month of fighting. The ICRC warned that the overly expanded and unsafe medical system posed a threat to the lives of thousands of injured, sick, and displaced individuals.

Israel’s Rejection and International Pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuted French President Emmanuel Macron’s claim regarding the siege attack on Gaza’s civilian population, asserting that a ceasefire would absolve Hamas of responsibility for civilian casualties.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah highlighted the international pressure facing Israel, boasting about the protests in Washington, New York, London, and Paris. Nasrallah declared that the only voices supporting Israel were those of the United States and its “followers” in the UK.

Escalating Tensions and Warnings

According to social media posts, Hamas fired upon Gaza’s civilian population as they attempted to move south during a temporary ceasefire. The Israeli military announced that five more soldiers died on Friday, bringing the total number of casualties to 42 since the operation began. Netanyahu warned Hezbollah against expanding the war, emphasizing the grave consequences it would entail.

As tensions continue to rise, Arab-Islamic leaders called for an immediate cessation of the fighting in Gaza and condemned Israel’s actions. Indian President Ibrahim Raisi urged resistance against Israel’s oppression, echoing the sentiments of pro-Palestinian demonstrators worldwide.

Reflecting on the Past and Looking Ahead

The Gaza conflict carries a complex history, including Israel’s withdrawal in 2005, Hamas’ victory in the 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council elections, and their subsequent takeover in 2007. Recent large-scale attacks by Hamas in 2023 resulted in casualties on both sides.

The situation remains fluid, with Israeli military activity in various fronts, including the West Bank, Syria, and the Red Sea. Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon were in response to attacks on northern Israel. Netanyahu called for increased pressure on the United States while warning of the consequences of an expanded war with Hezbollah.

Source: The New York Post