According to health officials in Gaza, Israeli military vehicles have moved to the gates of the Al-Shifa hospital complex, where staff members are attempting to care for patients despite a lack of essential supplies like fuel, medicine, and food. The situation has become increasingly dire, as hundreds of patients and thousands of people seeking shelter are running out of resources. The hospital is without electricity or fuel, allowing bodies to decompose and putting premature babies at risk. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that at least 12 deaths had occurred due to the power outage at the hospital.
Jihan Miqdad, chief nurse in the emergency room at Al-Shifa, described the situation as “catastrophic” and revealed that patients on life support were dying due to a shortage of oxygen. Additionally, Israeli military vehicles have reached the hospital complex, further endangering staff and patients. Despite reports of patients dying as a result of the power cut, the Israeli military has not specifically addressed these claims, but stated that they were engaged in an intense battle against Hamas.
Allegations have been made that Hamas uses hospitals such as Al-Shifa as shields for fighters. Israeli troops have approached the hospital on numerous occasions, further contributing to the sense of desperation among those seeking shelter and care. As the health ministry in Gaza reported, Al-Shifa is in a dire situation and unable to function as a functioning hospital. The Red Cross has been unresponsive to requests for aid.
Staff at Al-Shifa have been pushed to their limits as they try to care for patients and babies under increasingly difficult circumstances. As fighting rages around the hospital, medical teams are running out of supplies and assistance. Without help from the Red Cross or other organizations, the situation continues to deteriorate, putting lives at risk.
The head of the neonatal intensive care unit at Al-Shifa, Dr. Nasser Bolbol, expressed deep concern for the remaining premature babies, stating that their lives are in danger without proper care and support. Negotiations with Israeli authorities to evacuate the infants have so far been unsuccessful, leading to further desperation and concern among hospital staff. Calls for aid and support from international organizations remain unmet.
With no electricity, fuel, or resources, the situation at Al-Shifa remains dire, as staff members struggle to care for patients under difficult conditions. There is an urgent need for international intervention to prevent further suffering and the loss of life.