Hospitals in Gaza City are grappling with a deeply challenging situation due to the ongoing conflict and claims of misuse for military purposes. Here's an updated report on the current situation of some of the key clinical facilities:
Al-Shifa Hospital
Situated in Gaza City, Al-Shifa Hospital is the largest clinical facility, boasting around 700 beds. The Israeli army has accused Hamas of utilizing the building as a command base but denies any military use. Amidst ongoing fighting in the surrounding streets, the World Health Organization (WHO) laments the "appalling conditions," with the area constantly bombarded and shelled.
Tens of thousands reportedly sought shelter within the hospital complex, with many fleeing to the south of Gaza Strip. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza (controlled by Hamas), at least 2,300 people remain inside the clinic, including patients, staff, and civilians seeking protection. The United Nations even speculates that an estimated 10,000 people may be within the building.
Contrary to Palestinian reports, the Shifa Clinic continues operations despite the power outage, according to the WHO. With around 700 seriously ill patients to care for, there's a lack of fuel for the generators. Solar energy is being used to run some critical systems. However, the refrigeration in the morgues isn't working, and the smell of decomposing bodies in the hospital complex is reportedly overwhelming.
Al-Kuds Hospital
Al-Kuds, the Gaza Strip's second-largest hospital, has been cut off from the outside world for almost a week due to fierce fighting in the area, according to Palestinian Red Crescent. On Saturday, near 500 patients and 14,000 displaced people (mainly women and children) were trapped within the hospital's walls. By Sunday, the hospital became inoperable due to a lack of fuel and power outages.
Al-Ahli Hospital
Al-Ahli Hospital is currently treating patients beyond its capacity with insufficient resources to cater to everyone's needs. Ambulances arrive with wounded patients every ten minutes. The hospital is missing essential resources such as an X-ray technician and medical supplies.
A local journalist working with the AFP news agency claims that the hospital's morgue refrigeration isn't functioning correctly. This makes the situation even more challenging as they struggle to preserve the bodies of the deceased.
Al-Rantisi and Al-Nasr
Al-Rantisi Hospital specializes in treating children and faced intense fighting last week in the surrounding neighborhood. On Friday, the hospital evacuated due to concerns for the safety of its patients, following a consultation with the Israeli army. Hundreds of people were evacuated, including severely injured patients transferred to Al-Shifa Hospital, which was already overloaded at the time.
A video received by the BBC shows people coming under fire as they attempted to leave Al-Nasr Hospital earlier this week. It remained unclear who had fired the shots.
Indonesian Hospital
The Indonesian Hospital, a 110-bed modern facility, has been persistently targeted during the conflict. Although the hospital has continued operating at low capacity, the fils are still bombarded. Medical supplies are scarce, and injury treatment relies on the help of flashlights due to power cuts.
Despite these challenges, healthcare providers and hospital staff show relentless dedication to providing services to the Gaza Strip population. The ongoing conflict and allegations of misuse for military purposes have turned the provision of clinical care into a life-threatening endeavor.
