Gaza’s Hospitals Under Siege as Israeli-Hamas Combat Rages

Gaza City’s hospitals are facing increasing challenges as intense fighting between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters puts hundreds of seriously ill and wounded patients, as well as thousands of displaced people, in a precarious position. On Friday, projectiles struck Gaza’s largest hospital, Al Shifa, and a video showed people being turned away as they tried to evacuate another hospital due to gunfire. Israeli tanks and troops have surrounded several hospitals in Gaza, leading to concerns about the safety of patients and staff.

Israel alleges that Hamas uses hospitals as shields, operating from within them, while Palestinian civilians seek refuge on their grounds. Al Shifa Hospital reported being struck four times on Friday, resulting in seven deaths and several injuries. The true extent of the damage and the sources of the strikes are not yet known.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, speaking in New Delhi, expressed concern for the plight of Gazan civilians and called for more to be done to protect them and provide humanitarian assistance. The death toll in Gaza, according to health authorities, has surpassed 11,000, with reports suggesting that the true numbers could be even higher. Among those killed are UNRWA staff members and journalists, with the rate of journalist fatalities being the highest since 1992.

Gazan hospitals, including Al Shifa, have become makeshift refugee centers due to the ongoing conflict. The challenges of conducting a war in such a densely populated area have become evident, with combatants living among the civilian population. Israel has accused Al Shifa of concealing a major Hamas military compound, which the hospital denies.

The Gaza health ministry released a video showing the dire conditions inside Al Shifa, highlighting the lack of resources and capacity to treat the influx of patients. The hospital has been struck multiple times, including the obstetrics ward. Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht stated that Israel does not fire on hospitals but will take action if Hamas fighters are using them as bases. Israeli troops have been conducting ground battles near Al Shifa, raiding what they claim are Hamas command centers.

As the conflict continues, staff members at Al Shifa are preparing for the worst, including a potential Israeli ground raid. However, they have no plans to evacuate the hospital complex and will stay with their patients.