Intense combat has escalated around Gaza’s Al Shifa hospital, the scene of a major Israeli military operation against Hamas, which has reportedly resulted in over 170 fatalities among the Gazans, according to Israel. Hamas and Islamic Jihad confirm engagements with Israeli forces near the hospital, though the former denies utilizing the hospital interior for military purposes.
Israel’s military says it is preventing harm to civilians, patients, and medical staff there and providing them with food, water, and adequate access to healthcare.🔴As IDF forces operate in the Shifa Hospital, our soldiers have established a dedicated treatment area for the patients' safety—including infrastructure allowing advanced medical treatment and monitoring of patients by medical teams.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 23, 2024
In coordination with @cogatonline, we… pic.twitter.com/55ErhQVfBq
The vicinity of Al Shifa, previously Gaza’s largest hospital, has witnessed significant destruction, including damage to nearby residential areas and healthcare facilities. Israeli forces are reported to have detained over 350 gunmen at Al Shifa, and questioned a total of 800 people.Yesterday (Mar. 22) the @IDF in coordination with Gaza’s CLA facilitated the entry of trucks full of medical equipment, food, and water into the Shifa hospital. The aid was brought into a designated compound, where sick and wounded patients were evacuated to prevent harm to them. pic.twitter.com/sPpvNVs2o6
— COGAT (@cogatonline) March 23, 2024
Impact on civil population
The conflict has also tragically impacted civilians, with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting five patient deaths due to lack of care amidst the siege.
The Gaza Health Ministry highlights the dire conditions within, including shortages of care, food, and water leading to patient deaths. Israel, acknowledging the loss of two soldiers in the operation, insists on its efforts to safeguard civilians and medical personnel in the facility.
The situation has drawn international attention, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for a humanitarian ceasefire and unrestricted access to humanitarian goods in Gaza, amidst a conflict that has seen over 32,000 Palestinian fatalities.
