Image - AFP
Gaza/Tel-Aviv – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) refuted Palestinian assertions of a siege on the strip’s largest hospital or the entrapment of individuals within. The IDF maintained that their troops continued to achieve progress against Hamas on the ground.
Additionally, the IDF clarified that the staff at Shifa Hospital had requested assistance to facilitate the transfer of infants from the pediatric department to a more secure hospital. This transfer was set to take place on Sunday.
A surgeon at Al-Shifa in Gaza City, speaking to the BBC, revealed that the hospital has completely run out of essential supplies, including water, food, and electricity.
Hamas claimed responsibility for damaging over 160 Israeli military targets in Gaza, impacting more than 25 vehicles within the last 48 hours. Conversely, an Israeli military spokesperson asserted that Hamas had forfeited control of northern Gaza.
During a late Saturday news conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the deaths of five additional Israeli soldiers in Gaza. The Israeli military reported a total of 46 casualties since commencing ground operations in the region.
Israel indicated ongoing rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel. They stated that approximately 1,200 people were killed, and over 200 were taken captive by Hamas last month in these attacks.
Accounts from within the Al-Shifa hospital depict a chaotic and distressing scene, with ongoing fighting in close proximity, patients who have recently undergone surgeries unable to evacuate, and an increasing number of bodies with no means for proper burial.
Al-Shifa has become a focal point for thousands seeking refuge in the midst of fierce fighting that has persisted for two days. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) consistently accuse Hamas of using tunnels beneath the hospital, an allegation that Hamas vehemently denies.
According to Surgeon Marwan Abu Saada, the sounds of gunfire and bombardments reverberate through Al-Shifa incessantly. He further reveals that attempts to bury the deceased have been thwarted by the ongoing fighting.
Israel's three major TV news channels, without revealing their sources, reported progress in negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Prime Minister Netanyahu declined to divulge specifics about the potential deal, which, as per N12 News, would involve the staged release of 50 to 100 women, children, and the elderly over a three to five day ceasefire period.
Reportedly, Israel would consider releasing women and minor Palestinian prisoners and contemplate allowing fuel into Gaza, while retaining the right to resume military actions.
In Tel Aviv, a large rally gathered in support of the hostage families.
Within Gaza, clashes continued between Israeli troops and Hamas gunmen in and around Gaza City, where the largest hospital, Al Shifa, is situated. Ashraf Al-Qidra, representing Gaza's health ministry, stated that the hospital ceased operations due to fuel depletion, resulting in the deaths of two infants in incubators. He mentioned a total of 45 infants in need of care.
Al-Qidra also reported Israeli shelling resulting in the death of an intensive care patient and intermittent sniper fire from rooftops, hindering movement within the medical complex.
The World Health Organization expressed deep concern for the safety of those trapped in the hospital due to the ongoing conflict, highlighting the loss of communication with their contacts in the area.