Two major hospitals in northern Gaza, al-Shifa and al-Quds, have been forced to close their doors to new patients due to Israeli airstrikes and intense fighting. Alarming shortages of oxygen, medical supplies, and fuel for incubators have left medical staff grappling with dire circumstances. Al-Shifa, Gaza’s largest hospital, has faced severe disruptions for three days, rendering it non-functional as a medical facility.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, decried the tragic situation, stating that hospitals, traditionally safe havens, have become scenes of death and devastation. The ongoing conflict has significantly increased patient fatalities.
Israeli forces, advancing through northern Gaza, are nearing their objectives, targeting Hamas’s stronghold. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasized that Hamas’s prior attacks on Israel should not justify the collective punishment of Palestinians. He urged against using the actions of Hamas as a pretext for such measures.
Israel’s call for evacuations through “humanitarian corridors” to address alleged Hamas presence around hospitals faces resistance. Palestinian officials argue that Israeli fire makes evacuations dangerous, potentially leading to further casualties. The situation has raised international concerns, with calls for humanitarian pauses and pleas for Israel to exercise maximum restraint.
As the conflict enters its sixth week, global pressure mounts for a ceasefire. While allies express concerns over the rising death toll, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at a potential deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu emphasized the commitment to bring the hostages home, linking their release to a ceasefire agreement.
The complexity of objectives, including deterring Hezbollah involvement, defeating Hamas, and securing hostage release, strains Israel’s resources. Thousands rallied in Tel Aviv in support of hostage families, underscoring the delicate balance Israel faces in managing multiple threats amid the ongoing conflict.
