The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a severe breakdown in communication with contacts inside al-Shifa, the largest in Gaza among the hospitals under siege. The loss of contact raises concerns about the fate of patients and medical staff amid the escalating Israeli attacks on the region.
Mohammad Abu Salmiya, the director of al-Shifa Hospital, earlier reported ongoing bombardments, describing a situation where the medical team was unable to carry out their critical work. The chaos has resulted in dozens of bodies that cannot be managed or buried.
Israel’s intensified offensive has directly hit hospitals in Gaza City and northern Gaza. Of particular concern is the fate of 37 premature babies in al-Shifa. Their lives are at risk due to electricity failures caused by the ongoing attacks.
Israeli snipers positioned on rooftops have been firing into the medical complex, further restricting movement and posing a threat to those seeking medical attention.
Gaza health ministry revealed that fuel supplies ran out on Saturday, paralysing critical services, and worsening the condition in hospitals under siege.
In the southern city of Khan Younis, an Israeli airstrike killed 13 Palestinians. A residential building in eastern Khan Younis was targeted. Reports suggest that Israeli forces may be using earthquake bombs.
The Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks now stands at 11,078. The updates on casualties have been delayed due to hospitals losing contact. Israel’s death toll has also been revised, exceeding 1,200.
Global outrage has erupted, prompting marches for an immediate Gaza ceasefire in major cities worldwide. Demonstrations were reported in New York, London, Paris, Baghdad, Karachi, Berlin, and Edinburgh, with protestors demanding an end to the violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains resolute in his commitment to pressing the advance in Gaza with full force, disregarding mounting civilian death toll and international calls for an immediate ceasefire.
Netanyahu, unmoved by the global outcry and backed by the United States and Western governments, rejected calls for a ceasefire, emphasising that the primary goal is to win the war against Hamas.
Meanwhile, the Rafah crossing into Egypt, closed on Friday, is set to reopen on Sunday for foreign passport holders, according to Gaza’s border authority.