Israeli Snipers Allegedly Shoot and Kill Civilians Fleeing Hospital in Gaza
By [Name of Reporter]
Published on February 15, 2024 | Last Updated at 2:52 a.m. ET
Doctors and medical officials in Gaza claimed that Israeli snipers have fatally shot multiple individuals attempting to leave the Nasser Medical Complex in the southern city of Khan Younis in recent days. According to an eyewitness, a trauma surgeon at the hospital, at least two people were killed by snipers on Tuesday, with several others being shot and wounded. These shocking allegations raise concerns about the safety of civilians and the observance of humanitarian principles in the ongoing conflict.
Allegations of Sniper Attacks
Israeli snipers, stationed in the vicinity, reportedly targeted civilians evacuating the hospital. It is important to note that the Israel Defense Forces have given evacuation orders to both staff and patients while stating that a secure route for civilans has been opened. However, contrary to these claims, people fleeing the hospital were allegedly met with gunfire. According to the eyewitness, at least eight individuals were shot along the evacuation route on Tuesday. The traumatized surgeon, whose identity has been kept confidential for security purposes, attests to enduring over three days of incessant bombardment of medical teams.
Unfortunate Casualties and Tremendous Risk
Tragically, among those wounded was a 16-year-old boy who was reportedly shot four times at the hospital gate. The surgeon, in a state of profound distress, revealed that the hospital is effectively besieged by tanks and snipers. He further claimed that the evacuation route was accompanied by threatening rhetoric from Israeli forces, who allegedly intended to bomb the hospital imminently. Such horrifying conditions, with Israeli drones flying overhead, create immense peril and terrorize the patients, hospital staff, and those in the vicinity.
Destructive Consequences
Furthermore, the surgeon reported that a warehouse within the hospital premises had been bombed, resulting in the destruction of crucial medical supplies. This stark revelation amplifies the dire situation, as the Nasser Medical Complex is currently the largest functioning medical facility in Gaza. The targeted attack undermines the ability of medical personnel to treat the wounded and has a catastrophic impact on the already strained healthcare system. Disturbingly, the majority of those seeking refuge within the facility are displaced individuals, further exacerbating their vulnerability.
Official Response
CNN reached out to the Israel Defense Forces regarding the allegations but did not receive a direct response. The IDF confirmed that their troops are operating in the vicinity of the Nasser Medical Complex but did not offer any specific comments on the reported sniper attacks. This ommission raises questions about accountability and the protection of civilian lives during hostilities.
This report contains contributions from Mick Krever.
