Palestine Ministry of Health claims “white phosphorus bomb attack on Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa”
As Israel’s military operation to eradicate Hamas continues, it has been reported that at least 22 hospitals in the Gaza Strip have been attacked and have ceased operations.
According to Anadolu News Agency on the 12th (local time), Gaza authorities said, “Israel intentionally targeted hospitals along with threats to medical staff, forcing 22 hospitals and 49 health facilities to cease operations.”
Gaza authorities also added, “They (Israeli forces) also targeted 53 ambulances.” Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical institution in Gaza, is currently under targeted fire from the Israeli military, and water and electricity have reportedly been cut off for three days.
There was also news that three premature babies died due to a lack of power to the incubator. It is known that up to thousands of civilians evacuated from the war, including medical personnel and patients, are staying at Al Shifa Hospital.
Al-Shiraf al-Qudra, spokesman for the Gaza Health Ministry, accused Israel of irrationally attacking hospitals in the Gaza Strip. In addition, the Gaza Strip’s Interior Ministry claimed that Israel used white phosphorus, which is prohibited for use against civilians.
Regarding this, Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila said at a recent press conference, “Al-Shifa Hospital was attacked with white phosphorus,” adding, “This is a type of weapon that is not internationally permitted.” He also said that the lives of 39 newborns in the hospital were at risk.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), who managed to contact Al-Shifa Hospital on this day, expressed concern that “Al-Shifa Hospital is no longer functioning as a hospital.”
The Palestinian Red Crescent announced that Al-Quds Hospital, the second largest hospital, also suspended operations today due to the continued siege by the Israeli army.
To date, 11,180 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israel’s retaliatory attack on Hamas’ surprise attack on the 7th of last month. Among them are 4,609 children and 3,100 women. There are over 28,200 injured, 70% of whom are children and women.
According to Gaza authorities, about 70 mosques were completely destroyed and 153 were partially damaged. Additionally, 25% of farmland was destroyed, and direct agricultural losses were estimated at $180 million. It was said that 92 government offices and 241 schools were also attacked.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.