Gaza’s Largest Hospital Forced to Close, Increase in Patient Deaths: Ongoing Israeli Attacks

Breaking News: Gaza’s Largest Hospital Forced to Close Due to Ongoing Israeli Attacks, Increase in Patient Deaths

The largest hospital in Gaza, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), has been forced to shut down due to relentless attacks by Israel. As a result, the number of patient deaths has significantly increased. The Al-Shifa complex and other hospitals in the northern region of the Palestinian territories are currently under blockade by the Israeli military, severely limiting their ability to provide essential medical care.

Israeli Military Targets Hospital Command Center Near Al-Shifa Hospital

The Israeli military has claimed that this recent attack was aimed at the Hamas armed group, responsible for deadly attacks in southern Israel. Hamas has been accused of setting up command centers in the hospital’s vicinity, further complicating the situation and putting civilians at risk.

Health Experts Describe Al-Shifa Hospital’s Dire Situation

Health experts from the WHO have held discussions with medical professionals at Al-Shifa hospital, who have reported an extremely dangerous situation within the facility. The continuous gunfire and bombings have exacerbated an already critical situation, making it increasingly difficult to provide proper medical services to patients.

Increase in Patient Deaths and Urgent Call for Ceasefire

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, expressed concern over the significant increase in patient deaths in Al-Shifa hospital, emphasizing that the hospital is no longer able to function properly. He, along with other senior UN officials, called for the immediate protection of the hospital as a safe haven and urged for an immediate ceasefire.

International Community Urges Ceasefire and Humanitarian Support

The President of Indonesia, representing the world’s largest Muslim population, called for a ceasefire and an expansion of humanitarian support for Palestine. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also urged the International Criminal Court to investigate allegations of war crimes and humanitarian crimes committed by Israel within Palestinian territories.

EU Condemns Hamas and Calls for Restraint from Israel

The European Union condemned Hamas for using hospitals and civilians as human shields, while also calling on Israel to exercise maximum restraint to protect civilians. Joseph Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, expressed deep concern over the severe impact of hostile actions on hospitals and the harm inflicted on both civilians and medical personnel.

US Expresses Concern over Hospital Usage by Hamas

The United States expressed concern over Hamas using hospitals and civilian facilities for military purposes, considering it a violation of the laws of war. Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, emphasized the need to prevent hospital shootings during armed conflicts to ensure the safety of innocent patients.

Escalating Humanitarian Crisis and Global Outrage

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has worsened the humanitarian crisis, with hospitals struggling to provide adequate care due to ceasefires and limited resources. Palestinian officials have reported a significant number of casualties, including children. Protests demanding a ceasefire have taken place in various cities worldwide.

President Biden Calls for Hostage Release and Expresses Concerns of Escalation

President Joe Biden urged for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas and expressed concerns that the conflict could escalate further with missile attacks from Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups. The situation is becoming increasingly worrisome.

Efforts to Support and Address the Dire Situation in Gaza Hospitals

The Israeli military proposed evacuating newborns from Al-Shifa hospital, but Hamas reportedly prevented this from happening. Additionally, the second-largest hospital in Gaza, Al-Quds hospital, has also been forced to suspend operations, making it challenging for staff to care for patients with limited resources. The International Red Cross is making efforts to support hospitals in Gaza.

Urgent International Attention and Action Needed

The situation in Gaza demands urgent attention and action from the international community to alleviate the suffering of civilians and protect hospitals as safe havens. It is crucial to address the escalating humanitarian crisis and provide the necessary support to those affected.