Gaza’s largest hospital loses contact with WHO

The declaration is made in the midst of allegations of ongoing Israeli attacks on the primary hospital in the Palestinian territory.

The main hospital in Gaza, Al Shifa, is where the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated on Sunday that it was losing contact with its focal points. Israel has repeatedly attacking the building, alleging that Hamas makes use of it as a headquarters for terrorist operations.

The staff might have “joined tens of thousands of displaced people who had sought shelter on the hospital grounds and are fleeing the area,” according to the WHO statement.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “There are reports that some of those who fled the hospital have been shot at, wounded, or killed.” He continued, saying that the most recent reports stated that “the hospital was surrounded by tanks.”

The group has demanded time and time again for a safe medical evacuation of the ill and critically injured from Gaza as well as a quick humanitarian truce. Concerns about the safety of hundreds of patients, including children, and medical personnel are “gravely concerning.”

The WHO noted that the workers at Al Shifa had also reported a scarcity of clean water and the possibility of ventilators, incubators, and intensive care units having to be shut down for fuel.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) were reportedly attacking the region near Al Shifa on Saturday night, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, which also stated that the “crazy bombing” was preventing ambulances from moving.

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Colonel Moshe Tetro of the IDF refuted reports that the hospital was under siege, saying instead that “there are clashes between IDF troops and Hamas terrorists around the hospital.”

A few weeks prior, Hamas was “operating in and under Shifa hospital,” according to IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari, who also stated that “terrorists move freely” in the biggest hospital in Gaza.

According to the most recent information from Israeli officials, the Palestinian militant group Hamas conducted a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, killing almost 1,200 people and kidnapping 240 more. The death toll has been amended while they continue to identify the deceased. West Jerusalem retaliated with a war declaration, heavy bombings, and a ground incursion in Gaza. According to Palestinian sources, some 4,500 children have been among the 11,000 casualties on their side.