In Gaza, hospitals are in a state of crisis, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) official, describing the situation as “catastrophic.” Most of the hospitals are no longer functioning, leaving thousands of patients and displaced people without access to medical care. The severity of the situation was further highlighted when a shell struck a hospital in northern Gaza, resulting in the death of 12 people, as reported by the Hamas-led Health Ministry and a medical worker. However, Israel denies any involvement in shelling the hospital.
The conflict in Gaza escalated with heavy fighting around the Indonesian Hospital, which has been providing shelter to thousands of patients and displaced individuals for several weeks. Amid this chaos, the WHO undertook the evacuation of 31 premature babies from Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa Hospital, ensuring their safety amidst the increasingly volatile situation.
Israel has maintained that Hamas uses civilians and hospitals as shields, while critics argue that Israel’s siege and aerial bombardment amount to collective punishment. Tragically, the ongoing Israel-Hamas war has resulted in over 12,700 Palestinian deaths, with the majority being women and minors, while around 1,200 people have been killed in Israel. This disparity in casualties has raised concerns regarding the disproportionate use of force.
Furthermore, the deteriorating hospital situation in Gaza has left health services unable to provide care for complex medical cases and emphasize the urgent need for international intervention. The Israeli military has also interrogated over 300 members of Hamas and other militant groups arrested in Gaza, extracting valuable information on the locations of underground tunnels and weapons.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, leaders from Spain and Belgium have expressed their intentions to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories. Their visit aims to discuss measures to protect civilians and explore avenues for a lasting political solution.
Beyond the borders of Gaza, Israeli shelling has even reached Lebanon, where the home of a Lebanese legislator from a political party allied with Hezbollah was hit. Meanwhile, survivors mourned for the dozens killed in refugee camps due to Israeli airstrikes.
In a separate development, families of Israeli hostages have urged lawmakers not to advance legislation that would allow the death penalty for convicted Palestinian militants. They fear that such measures could further endanger the lives of their relatives, adding another layer of complexity to the already tense situation.
Amidst this turmoil, the head of Israel’s central bank continues to navigate the economic implications of the conflict, seeking stability despite the ongoing violence and disruption.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”