More than 40 Palestinians, including five newborns, have tragically lost their lives in Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital due to Israeli attacks, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli attacks in the conflict has now surpassed 11,500, with over 29,000 others injured. The ongoing siege and strikes by Israeli forces have contributed to the dire situation, with ambulances unable to operate amid intensified battles between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants.
Ismail al-Thawabta, the director general of Gaza’s government media office, revealed that there are dozens of dead bodies lying in the streets, as relatives and medical teams struggle to reach the Al-Shifa Medical Complex for burial. Disturbingly, it is estimated that more than 100 bodies are scattered outside the hospital. To prevent the spread of epidemics, over 120 slain Palestinians were buried in a mass grave within the Al-Shifa hospital courtyard.
The dire circumstances have resulted in a severe lack of medical assistance, leaving the medical complex vulnerable to becoming an actual cemetery. Since Friday night, the comprehensive Israeli siege, artillery shelling, and shooting have prevented any ambulances from entering or leaving the site, exacerbating the already desperate situation.
The Israeli military operations are claimed to be a retaliatory response to attacks on southern Israel by Hamas militants on October 7. According to Israeli tallies, about 1,200 people were killed, and more than 200 hostages were taken during these attacks.
The ongoing violence in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis, with innocent lives being devastated on both sides. It is crucial that steps are taken to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to this conflict. The international community must engage in meaningful dialogue and work towards a lasting solution that ensures the safety and well-being of all people in the region.
