In a tense development, Israeli forces issued an evacuation order for Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza on Saturday, directing patients, wounded individuals, displaced civilians, and medical staff to move towards the seafront on foot within the next hour, as reported by AFP. This directive follows a combing operation conducted by Israeli troops two days earlier, during which they claimed to have discovered a Hamas tunnel shaft and a vehicle with weapons within the hospital complex.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) released a video showcasing what they alleged to be a tunnel entrance in an outdoor area of Gaza’s largest hospital. However, the authenticity of the video remains unverified.
Al-Shifa hospital, already grappling with operational challenges, has become a focal point in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which is now entering its seventh week. The Hamas health ministry in Gaza reported numerous casualties at the hospital due to power cuts resulting from fuel shortages.
Despite previous calls from Israel for the hospital’s evacuation, medical professionals argue that relocating patients is not feasible. According to the United Nations, approximately 2,300 patients, staff, and displaced individuals were seeking refuge at the hospital before Israeli troops entered on Wednesday.
In a distressing update on Friday, a doctor from Al-Shifa hospital revealed that they are running critically low on food and water. The supplies provided by the Israeli military were described as “very minimal” and insufficient to meet the needs of the people sheltering at the hospital.
As the situation unfolds, the fate of Al-Shifa hospital remains uncertain amid the challenges posed by the conflict, with concerns raised over the well-being of those seeking medical care and refuge within its walls.
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