Gaza, November 13: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a complete breakdown of communications with contacts at al-Shifa hospital, Gaza’s largest, amid continued Israeli attacks and intense fighting in the surrounding area.
According to the WHO statement, the hospital has been targeted in several attacks over the past 48 hours, resulting in several casualties and several injuries. The intensive care unit suffered damage from bombing, and areas of the hospital serving as a shelter for displaced people were also affected. Tragically, an intubated patient reportedly died when power was temporarily cut.
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Additionally, WHO stated that al-Shifa hospital is now surrounded by tanks, and medical staff reported a shortage of clean water. The last critical functions including ICUs, ventilators and incubators are at risk of shutting down due to lack of fuel, putting the lives of patients in immediate danger.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his concern on social media, saying, “It has been three days with no electricity, no water and very poor internet, which has severely hampered our ability to provide essential care “Sadly, there is no hospital.” Now functioning as a hospital. The world cannot remain silent when hospitals, which should be safe havens, are turning into scenes of death, devastation and despair.”
The worrying situation in Al-Shifa comes after the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) announced that Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City, the second largest hospital in the territory, is now out of service. PRCS cited lack of available fuel and power cuts as the reason for the hospital’s closure. Despite dire humanitarian conditions, lack of medical supplies, food and water, medical staff are making every possible effort to care for the patients and injured.
The PRCS expressed deep regret, highlighting that the critical point had been reached despite repeated appeals for immediate international assistance during the week-long siege and the five-day communications and internet blackout. The organization claimed that the hospital has been left to fend for itself under Israeli bombardment, posing a serious threat to medical staff, patients and displaced civilians.
While the PRCS claims that hospitals are under siege, the Israel Defense Forces have repeatedly rejected this allegation. The PRCS claims there is now only one operational hospital in Gaza and two in the north, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention and assistance.
