During Israel’s recent assault on the Gaza Strip, the largest operational hospital in Gaza, Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, faced a siege, leaving patients and medical staff in a state of chaos. Israeli forces raided the hospital, claiming it was housing Hamas fighters. The Gaza Health Ministry reported the death of five intensive care patients on Friday due to power outages and a lack of oxygen caused by the attack.
Israel defended its actions, stating that it entered the hospital to apprehend individuals allegedly involved in October 7 attacks. The Gaza Health Ministry countered these claims, asserting that there were no fighters in the hospital and accusing Israel of using falsehoods to justify the destruction of medical facilities.
The hospital lost power, putting patient care at risk, but the Israeli military insisted it repaired and provided generators to ensure the operation of vital systems. Amid the crisis, two pregnant women gave birth under challenging conditions, lacking basic necessities like water and food.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israeli forces converted the hospital’s maternity department into a military area, displacing women and children who were not allowed to take their belongings. An aid convoy was halted outside the hospital, preventing the delivery of supplies, though the military stated it provided essential items.
Concerns have been raised about the safety of patients, medical staff, and displaced Palestinians seeking refuge in the hospital. The World Health Organization expressed urgency in delivering fuel to ensure the continuation of life-saving services. Despite evacuations in anticipation of the Israeli raid, there are still critically injured and sick patients within the hospital, adding to the humanitarian challenges in the region.
