Topline
The Al-Shifa hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza, ceased functioning as a hospital on Sunday, according to the World Health Organization, which once again raised concerns about the dire humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian enclave, while Israeli officials insisted on Hamas’ presence in a network of tunnels under the hospital.
People stand outside the emergency ward of Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City amid ongoing battles … [+]
Key Facts
According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the situation at the Al-Shifa hospital is “dire and perilous” after it has endured three days of no electricity, water and poor internet “which has severely impacted our ability to provide essential care.”
Tedros said the hospital “is not functioning as a hospital anymore,” as constant gunfire and bombings have worsened the situation.
The top WHO officials said the “world cannot stand silent” as he urged for an immediate ceasefire.
Hospital authorities, however, told the Associated Press that many remained trapped inside the hospital as the Israeli offensive intensified.
The hospital’s director Dr. Muhammad Abu Salmiya told an Arab news outlet that they have been forced to move premature babies out of incubators, wrap them in foils and place them next to hot water to keep them alive.
This is a developing story.