In the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis, the Israeli forces have raided the besieged Al-Amal hospital, as reported by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society which operates the facility.
The PRCS statement stated, “The occupation (Israeli) forces stormed Al-Amal hospital and started searching it. We’re finding it difficult to communicate with our crews inside the hospital.”
The Israeli army confirmed that troops were conducting an operation based on intelligence indicating Hamas’s involvement in the hospital. The army told AFP, “a precise sweep and clear operation to locate Hamas fighters and dismantle Hamas infrastructure” has commenced.
Al-Amal hospital has been in the midst of severe fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas, with the Red Crescent reporting “intense artillery shelling and heavy gunfire” continuing around the hospital on Thursday (Feb 8).
The medical organization has made repeated pleas for supplies and protection, reporting severe shortages of oxygen, medicines, and fuel to power the hospital.
Last week, the Red Crescent evacuated 8,000 people who had sought shelter at Al-Amal and its nearby Khan Yunis headquarters. After the evacuation, around 40 displaced people, 80 patients, and 100 staff remained at the hospital, according to the PRCS.
Despite the laws of war granting hospitals special protection, they have been repeatedly targeted in Gaza in recent months. The United Nations reported that there are no fully functioning hospitals left in the Palestinian territory, with just over a third operating at limited capacity.
Health facilities in Gaza have been overwhelmed by the high number of casualties, with over 67,000 people wounded during the war. The health ministry in the Hamas-run territory has reported that Israel’s relentless assault has resulted in the deaths of at least 27,947 people, mostly women and children. – AFP
