GAZA/JERUSALEM - Amidst the ongoing Israeli assault in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, the largest hospital, al-Shifa, has ceased functioning, leading to a surge in patient fatalities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The hospital, along with others in the northern part of the enclave, is reportedly blockaded by Israeli forces, exacerbating an already critical situation.
Medical staff on the ground have described a dire and perilous situation at al-Shifa, with constant gunfire and bombings making it unsafe for both patients and medical professionals. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the hospital is "not functioning as a hospital anymore," emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire.
Calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities have come from top U N officials, with the president of Indonesia, echoing the sentiment. The International Criminal Court is urged to investigate alleged "war crimes and crimes against humanity" committed by Israel in the Palestinian territories during the conflict.
Israel contends that its military operations aim to free over 200 hostages taken by Hamas militants on October 7. The European Union condemned Hamas for using "hospitals and civilians as human shields" while urging Israel to exercise "maximum restraint" to protect civilians.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan accused Hamas of violating the laws of war by using hospitals and civilian facilities to house fighters and weapons. The United States has actively consulted with the Israeli Defense Forces to prevent conflicts in hospitals and protect innocent civilians.
The conflict, ongoing for over a month, has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with Palestinian officials reporting over 11,000 Gaza residents killed, including approximately 40% children. Global protests have erupted, demanding a ceasefire and expressing outrage over the impact on hospitals and civilians.
The humanitarian crisis has raised concerns about a broader conflagration, with Hezbollah in Lebanon engaging in missile attacks with Israel. Meanwhile, the United States carried out airstrikes in Syria against Iran-aligned groups, responding to the escalating situation in the region.
As hospitals struggle to operate, reports indicate that newborns are at risk due to power outages and the inability to provide adequate medical care. Efforts to evacuate infants from al-Shifa have faced obstacles, leading to a heartbreaking situation with premature babies placed on ordinary beds.
The international community is intensifying calls for an immediate ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, and the initiation of peace negotiations to address the escalating crisis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response to accusations, stated that Israel had offered fuel to Gaza's al-Shifa hospital, but the militants had allegedly refused to accept it. The situation remains critical, with concerns growing over the well-being of the civilian population caught in the crossfire.