The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis faced a tragedy as five patients died following an Israeli raid that resulted in a power outage.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza, under Hamas control, reported the dire situation, stating that the hospital was left without essential utilities like electricity, water, food, and heating. Additionally, two pregnant women delivered children under extremely challenging conditions.
Israeli forces detained several individuals during the raid, exacerbating tensions between the two sides. The IDF claimed to have located weapons within the hospital premises and apprehended numerous suspects linked to an earlier attack by Hamas on Israel.
However, Hamas refuted these allegations, asserting that the hospital had no association with their activities.
The raid prompted international concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) condemning the situation as “deeply alarming.” WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic emphasized the critical need to ensure the safety of patients, healthcare workers, and civilians seeking refuge in healthcare facilities.
He stressed the urgency of delivering fuel to Nasser Hospital to sustain life-saving services, highlighting its vital role in providing care to the southern Gaza region.
While the IDF stated that the power outage resulted from a generator malfunction rather than a deliberate attack, reports from medical staff depicted a scene of chaos and destruction within the hospital. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported casualties from Israeli shelling and noted that their staff had been forced to evacuate amidst the conflict.
The incident reignited debates over the treatment of hospitals in conflict zones and raised questions about compliance with international humanitarian law.
Despite efforts to provide aid and support to the hospital, the tragic outcome underscored the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid escalating tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinian factions.
