Palestinian children react near the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, March 24, 2024. REUTERS/Mohammed SalemĀ
Israeli forces have reportedly besieged two hospitals in Gaza, leading to the confinement of medical personnel amidst heavy gunfire. The Palestinian Red Crescent disclosed that most patients and displaced individuals sheltering in one of the hospitals were evacuated due to the intense situation.
Israeli military officials contend that hospitals in the Gaza Strip, where conflict has persisted for over five months, are frequently exploited by Hamas militants as bases for harboring weapons. However, Hamas and medical staff refute these claims.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, one of its staff members was killed when Israeli tanks unexpectedly advanced into areas surrounding Al-Amal and Nasser hospitals in Khan Younis, accompanied by shelling and gunfire. Al-Amal Hospital was sealed off by Israeli armored forces, with extensive bulldozing operations conducted in the vicinity. Consequently, the Red Crescent stated that their teams were in grave danger and unable to operate.
Subsequently, the Red Crescent reported the evacuation of patients and displaced individuals from Al-Amal Hospital to Al Mawasi, a coastal settlement, leaving only hospital staff and a small number of severely ill or wounded individuals and their companions behind. The organization emphasized the urgent need for the safe evacuation of these remaining individuals.
Earlier, the Red Crescent had reported the death of a displaced Palestinian within the hospital premises due to Israeli gunfire.
In response to these allegations, the Israeli military stated that their forces were targeting “infrastructure” in Khan Younis known to be utilized by militants. While Hamas refutes accusations of using hospitals for military purposes, it accuses Israel of committing war crimes against civilian targets.
Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continued in Al Shifa Hospital, Gaza City’s largest healthcare facility, resulting in the reported detention of militants and medical personnel by Israeli forces. The Hamas-run government media office claimed that five Palestinian doctors were killed during these operations.
The Israeli military has not yet responded to these reports. Additionally, the ongoing conflict has caused casualties and displaced civilians, with Al Shifa Hospital, among the few operational healthcare facilities in north Gaza, also accommodating displaced individuals.
Verification of accounts by either side remains challenging due to restricted access to Gaza’s contested hospital areas.
Furthermore, in Rafah, an Israeli airstrike on a house led to the reported deaths of seven people, according to health officials. The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties and injuries, with the health ministry in Gaza reporting a total of 32,226 Palestinians killed and 74,518 injured since the commencement of Israel’s offensive.
The conflict was initiated when Hamas-led militants breached the border fence into southern Israel, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking, according to Israeli reports.
Despite mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, as well as other essential humanitarian measures, remain elusive due to both sides’ adherence to core demands.
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