The Gaza Civil Defense has urgently appealed to international agencies, including the Red Cross and the United Nations, to intervene and rescue Palestinians who are trapped in and around Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza. The situation has become increasingly dire as Israel's raid around the complex has entered its twelfth day.
Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal emphasized the critical need for immediate assistance, stating, 'We need the international agencies, the Red Cross and the UN to intervene to rescue the people present around the Shifa complex. Every minute that passes by, we could lose a life there.'
Bassal further highlighted that Israel's ongoing bombardment of the houses surrounding the complex and the arrest of citizens are exacerbating the crisis, leading to a push for displacement. He also expressed concerns about dwindling fuel supplies due to Israel's siege on the strip, noting that the Civil Defense has been unable to reach the affected area.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they were conducting 'precise operational activity' in the vicinity of Al-Shifa hospital, with a focus on mitigating harm to civilians, patients, and medical teams and equipment. However, Palestinians inside and around Al-Shifa have reported civilian casualties, arrests, and significant destruction at the hospital complex.
Reports of heavy fighting around the hospital have emerged from various sources, including Israel, Hamas, and civilians. United Nations officials have underscored the importance of ensuring that hospitals are not turned into battlegrounds amidst the escalating conflict.
