Israeli Troops Besiege Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital, Forcing Thousands to Seek Shelter
In a shocking turn of events, the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza has come under siege by Israeli troops, leaving over 7,000 people, including critical patients, trapped within its walls. Witnesses report that Israeli forces ordered doctors, patients, and displaced individuals to evacuate the hospital, with some even being forced to leave at gunpoint.
The Israeli army spokesperson, however, denies giving any evacuation order and instead claims to have responded to a request from the hospital director. They argue that they allowed citizens to evacuate towards the humanitarian crossing. However, the hospital director has flatly denied these claims, asserting that they were indeed forced to leave at gunpoint.
Inside the hospital, the situation is dire. Patients in critical condition, newborn babies, and displaced families sought refuge within the walls of Al-Shifa Hospital. Unfortunately, the hospital received an evacuation order from the Israelis, giving them a mere one hour to comply. The facility, however, lacked the means to transport these vulnerable individuals to safety.
As panic and fear swept through the hospital, people were left with no choice but to evacuate on foot. This left critically ill patients stranded, unable to find a way out. With a lack of oxygen and electricity, premature babies and those in critical condition were left exposed to life-threatening circumstances.
The scenes outside the hospital were described as appalling. Forced evacuations began after the Israeli army’s deadline had passed and those leaving the hospital were subjected to humiliation and degradation by soldiers. They were forced to walk in a single line, waving a white handkerchief, adding insult to injury for the already traumatized individuals.
Compounding the crisis was the fact that transportation means were scarce in Gaza City and the northern parts, leaving people with no other option but to navigate on foot. The hospital itself has been without basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, and oxygen for at least a week, exacerbating an already dire situation.
To further add to the tragedy, Israel claimed that Hamas had a command center hidden underneath the hospital. However, no evidence has been found to support this allegation, leaving many to question the true motives behind the siege and evacuations.
The Palestinian Authority has condemned these forced evacuations, stating that they only deepen the humanitarian and environmental catastrophe that Gaza is currently facing. As the international community looks on, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address this alarming situation and ensure the safety and well-being of those trapped within the Al-Shifa Hospital.
