Five patients in intensive care died after their oxygen supply was cut off in southern Gaza's main hospital, which was stormed by Israeli troops. The raid occurred after a week-long siege of Nasser Hospital in the city of Khan Younis, where staff, patients, and others inside were struggling under heavy fire and dwindling supplies. The Israeli military claimed that it had detained dozens of individuals from the facility, including some allegedly involved in a previous attack on Israel by Hamas.
Negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza have stalled, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly opposed the U.S. vision for the aftermath of the war, particularly the creation of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu stated that Israel will not accept 'international dictates' regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians and warned that recognizing a Palestinian state would reward terrorism.
Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive and expand it to the city of Rafah until Hamas is destroyed and the hostages taken during their October 7 attack are freed. However, President Joe Biden cautioned Netanyahu against moving forward with a military operation in Rafah without a credible plan to ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians.
Overnight airstrikes in Rafah resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, including seven members of the same family. The risk of a broader conflict increased as Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group engaged in the deadliest exchange of fire along the border since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Israel launched airstrikes into southern Lebanon for a second day in response to a rocket attack that killed an Israeli soldier.
Nasser Hospital is the latest in a series of hospitals that Israeli forces have besieged and stormed during the war, claiming that Hamas was using them for military purposes. These assaults have severely impacted Gaza's health sector, which is struggling to treat a constant stream of people wounded in daily bombardments.
The Israeli military alleged that Hamas had held hostages in Nasser Hospital and that their remains might still be inside. Troops continued to search the hospital but did not report finding any bodies. They arrested 20 people suspected of participating in the October 7 attack and found grenades and mortar shells. However, these claims could not be independently confirmed.
During the search, troops ordered over 460 staff, patients, and their relatives to move into an older building in the compound that is not equipped to treat patients. As a result, six patients in the ICU and three infants in incubators were left unattended. Tragically, five of the ICU patients died because electricity was cut, stopping their oxygen supply.
The Israeli occupation is being held responsible for the lives of patients and staff at Nasser Hospital, as the compound is now under its full control. Israeli troops have surrounded the hospital for at least a week, with fire from outside killing several people inside. Hamas denied using the hospital for military purposes and called the accusations lies circulated to justify war crimes.
The war between Israel and Hamas began when Hamas militants attacked several Israeli communities on October 7, resulting in numerous casualties and the abduction of hostages. Israel responded with a deadly military campaign, causing significant destruction and loss of life in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in thousands of Palestinian deaths and injuries, the displacement of a large portion of the population, and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Efforts for a cease-fire are underway, with the CIA Director reportedly meeting with Netanyahu to discuss the situation. Hamas has demanded the end of the Israeli offensive, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu has rejected these demands and plans to expand the offensive into Rafah, where a significant number of Gaza's population has sought refuge.
