The northern Gaza Strip is facing an escalating health crisis as all hospitals in the region have been declared non-operational by the Hamas-run health ministry. Ongoing intense fighting between Israeli troops and Hamas militants has exacerbated the situation, leading to severe consequences.
The reported casualties are alarming, with over 11,100 Palestinians said to have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. Meanwhile, the death toll in Israel resulting from Hamas’s attacks has surpassed 1,200, underscoring the high human cost of the conflict.
The closure of Gaza’s two largest hospitals, Al-Shifa and Al-Quds, has added to the healthcare challenges. Al-Shifa Hospital, in particular, has been grappling with issues such as electrical shortages, resulting in the tragic deaths of premature babies and other patients.
Evacuation efforts are further complicated by the perilous and unsafe conditions highlighted by the International Committee of the Red Cross. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called for “pauses” in the fighting to facilitate the evacuation of hospital patients in urgent need of medical care.
In addition to closures and evacuation challenges, hospitals in the north of Gaza, including the Al-Shifa complex, are reportedly blockaded by Israeli forces. The use of snipers near Al-Shifa Hospital has trapped thousands inside, exacerbating an already critical situation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings about the dire conditions in Gaza’s hospitals, with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressing concern over the tragic deaths of patients, including premature babies.
Amidst these challenges, the United States is engaged in active consultations with Israel’s military, addressing concerns about “firefights in hospitals,” according to White House NSA Jake Sullivan.
The evolving situation underscores the urgent need for international attention and humanitarian intervention to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire and ensure the provision of essential medical care.
