Amidst ongoing conflict and fuel shortages, the Gaza Strip’s second-largest hospital, Nasser Hospital, in the southern city of Khan Yunis, has been forced completely out of service.
Local and UN health officials reported that Israeli raids have contributed to the hospital’s closure as Israel engages in battles with Hamas militants in the Palestinian enclave.
Despite the hospital still providing shelter for patients afflicted by war injuries and Gaza’s escalating health crisis, the facility lacks power and adequate staffing to attend to all patients, according to Hamas health officials.
“It’s gone completely out of service,” the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qidra told Reuters.
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“There are only four medical staffers currently caring for patients inside the facility,” he said.
Gaza’s hospitals have become a focal point in the ongoing four-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, the ruling party in the Strip.
Most hospitals have been rendered inoperable due to the intensifying fighting and severe fuel shortages, leaving Gaza’s population of 2.3 million without adequate access to healthcare.
Tens of thousands have been injured by airstrikes, while many others suffer from chronic illnesses and, increasingly, starvation, according to officials from Hamas’s health department.
Accusations of Misuse of Medical Facilities
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted operations within medical facilities, claiming to have discovered Hamas weapons and evidence of hostages being held in hospitals. Hamas denies these allegations. The international community stresses the importance of protecting hospitals, which are designated as protected under international law.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Israel to allow its staff access to Nasser Hospital, where a week-long siege and IDF raids have hindered efforts to assist patients.
“Despite our efforts, WHO teams have been denied entry to assess patient conditions and address critical medical needs,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The IDF reported that its special forces have been engaged in operations in and around Nasser Hospital, resulting in the elimination of dozens of Hamas militants and the seizure of a significant number of weapons.
According to the military, ongoing operations have targeted terrorists in Nasser Hospital, leading to the arrest of at least 100 suspects, the neutralization of armed individuals in the vicinity, and the discovery of weapons within the hospital premises.
Hamas has refuted claims that its fighters use medical facilities as cover for their activities.
Impact on Gaza’s Population
Israel’s air and ground offensive has had far-reaching effects across Gaza, displacing nearly all inhabitants from their homes. Hamas health authorities report that 28,985 people, predominantly civilians, have been killed in the conflict.
The conflict began when Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and the abduction of 253 hostages.
