Gaza Morgue Struggles to Handle Bodies as Israeli Bombardment Intensifies
The escalating Israeli bombardment in Gaza has overwhelmed the morgue at the region’s largest hospital, as the number of bodies far exceeds the capacity and relatives struggle to claim them. Amid the ongoing heavy aerial attacks by Israel on the densely populated territory, medics in Gaza are facing a crisis as they run out of space to accommodate the remains of those killed in the strikes.
The Shifa hospital in Gaza City, which can usually handle around 30 bodies at a time, now finds itself unable to cope with the influx of casualties. With bodies piling up, workers have resorted to stacking corpses three high outside the walk-in cooler and placing dozens more side by side in the parking lot. The situation has become so dire that the hospital’s nurse, Abu Elias Shobaki, described the parking lot as a graveyard, expressing exhaustion and concern over the worsening situation.
This surge in casualties comes nearly a week after Hamas militants crossed the highly fortified separation fence into Israel, launching an unprecedented attack that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis. In response, Israel is now considering a possible ground invasion of Gaza, which could further increase the Palestinian death toll. The ongoing Israeli offensive has already surpassed the casualties of the previous four conflicts between Israel and Hamas.
The massive influx of bodies has pushed Gaza’s already strained healthcare system to the brink. The hospitals in Gaza, which are typically poorly supplied, are now faced with additional challenges due to the blockade imposed by Israel. The flow of water, electricity, food, and fuel into the coastal enclave has been severely restricted, exacerbating the crisis.
Ashraf Al-Qidra, the spokesman for the Gaza Health Ministry, described the situation as critical, with ambulances unable to reach the wounded and the dead unable to be transferred to the morgue. The overwhelmed healthcare facilities in Gaza, coupled with dwindling supplies, have made it nearly impossible to provide adequate care for the injured. Mohammad Abu Selim, the general director of Shifa hospital, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that they are unable to continue their work, forcing patients to be treated on the streets.
The Israeli military claims that it is targeting Hamas militant infrastructure and aiming to minimize civilian casualties, but Palestinians reject this assertion. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 60% of the casualties are women and minors. The relentless Israeli campaign has not only caused extensive destruction to entire neighborhoods but has also resulted in the displacement of more than 340,000 people, accounting for 15% of Gaza’s population.
Following the heavy bombing of the Shati refugee camp, located north of Gaza City, a fresh wave of wounded individuals flooded the hospital complex. Among them were toddlers with bruises, men with improvised tourniquets, and young girls with blood-stained faces.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, it becomes increasingly important to find a solution that will address the humanitarian crisis and prevent further loss of life. The relentless cycle of violence between Israel and Hamas has inflicted immense suffering on both sides, highlighting the urgent need for a peaceful resolution and the protection of innocent civilians.
