Gaza's main hospital, Shifa Hospital, has been engulfed in intense fighting, resulting in significant challenges and dire conditions. As Israeli troops encircled the hospital, it was reported that five patients, including a premature baby, died due to the last generator running out of fuel, causing medical devices to stop working. Israel has identified Shifa Hospital as Hamas' main command post, alleging that militants use civilians as human shields and have established bunkers underneath the hospital. The intense fighting near Shifa and other hospitals in northern Gaza has led to a shortage of supplies, escalating the crisis.
Director Mohammed Abu Selmia of Shifa Hospital stated that Israeli troops were firing at anyone outside or inside the hospital, restricting movement within the hospital compound. However, these claims about the source of fire could not be independently verified. Israeli military spokesperson Peter Lerner commented that the troops were engaged in intense fighting against Hamas in the vicinity but did not confirm the specific claims about firing into the hospital courtyard. He emphasized that the military takes measures to prevent civilian harm.
In the wake of these events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Hamas bears the responsibility for any harm to civilians, accusing the group of using civilians as human shields and hindering their evacuation from combat zones. Israel has been allowing civilians to flee through the main road leading south for several hours each day and has announced temporary pauses in combat to facilitate evacuation. Over 150,000 civilians have reportedly fled northern Gaza since these evacuation windows were announced.
Internationally, there have been calls for a cease-fire, with French President Emmanuel Macron stating that there is no justification for Israel’s ongoing bombing. The U.S. has pushed for temporary pauses to distribute aid to civilians in Gaza, where conditions have become increasingly severe. Despite these international pressures, Israel has so far agreed only to brief daily evacuation periods, leading to growing differences among its allies regarding its conduct in the conflict.
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