JERUSALEM: The Nasser Hospital, Gaza Strip’s second-largest medical facility, has been rendered completely inoperable due to Israeli raids, local and UN health officials reported on Sunday.
Situated in the southern city of Khan Younis, the Nasser Hospital continues to shelter several Palestinian patients afflicted with war injuries amidst Gaza’s deteriorating health crisis. However, with power outages and insufficient staffing, the hospital lacks the capacity to provide adequate care to all patients, health officials disclosed.
“Gaza’s second-largest hospital has gone completely out of service,” stated Ashraf Al-Qidra, spokesperson for the Gaza health ministry, emphasizing the dire situation within the facility. Currently, only four medical teams comprising 25 staff members are available to attend to patients.
Israel Targeting of Health Facilities in Gaza
Throughout the four-month-long conflict Israeli bombardment, Gaza’s hospitals have been primary targets, facing significant damage and fuel shortages. This has left the region’s 2.3 million Palestinian residents without essential healthcare services, exacerbating the already critical situation caused by airstrikes and chronic illnesses.
Israel has conducted raids on medical facilities, alleging the presence of weapons and hostages held by Palestinian resistance group Hamas within hospitals. However, Palestinian resistance group refute these claims, asserting that hospitals are protected under international law and should be safeguarded.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Israel to grant access to its staff at the Nasser Hospital, where a week-long siege and Israeli military raids have prevented assistance to patients in need. Despite the WHO’s pleas, Israeli military operations in and around the hospital have continued.
