Dire conditions at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza

The director of Al-Shifa hospital in the Gaza Strip, Muhammad Abu Salmiya, has reported that the hospital is facing a severe shortage of oxygen and water, leaving patients thirsty and in dire conditions. Salmiya also stated that Israeli tanks have surrounded the hospital, soldiers are moving around the complex, and drones are flying overhead, causing a chaotic and tense atmosphere. However, these claims have not been independently verified. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a raid on Al-Shifa on Wednesday as part of its operation against Hamas, which it considers a terrorist group. The IDF has released photos and videos claiming to show weapons and equipment belonging to Hamas. Salmiya also reported that the main water line of the hospital had been blown up and sniping operations were ongoing, making it difficult for hospital staff to move around and communicate with each other. Reports have also emerged of Israeli troops storming all departments of the hospital, destroying parts of the building’s wall and dozens of cars. The situation at Al-Shifa is part of a larger military campaign by Israel in response to a cross-border attack. Since the start of Israel’s counter-attack, thousands of people have been killed in Gaza, and the United Nations has warned of a “humanitarian disaster”. The IDF claims it is uncovering a hidden terrorist infrastructure within the hospital complex, while Hamas denies any involvement in the hospital. In addition to the dire conditions at Al-Shifa, there have been reports of a major phone and internet outage in Gaza, believed to be caused by fuel shortages. The IDF continues its operation at the hospital, searching each building and floor while hundreds of patients and medical staff remain in the complex. However, the situation remains tense and chaotic, with both sides making conflicting claims about the events at Al-Shifa.