Israeli Troops Storm Gaza Hospital, Oxygen Runs Out for Intensive Care Patients
In a tragic turn of events, five patients in intensive care died after their oxygen supply ran out in southern Gaza’s main hospital. The hospital had been stormed by Israeli troops, causing chaos for hundreds of staff and wounded individuals inside. The raid was conducted as troops believed that the remains of hostages abducted by Hamas might be located within the complex.
The situation in Gaza has been dire, with Nasser Hospital in the city of Khan Younis besieged by Israeli forces for nearly a week. The staff, patients, and others inside have been struggling under heavy fire and dwindling supplies, including food and water. The Israeli military claims to have detained dozens of individuals from the facility, including some allegedly involved in Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7th.
Amidst the chaos, an assailant opened fire at a bus stop in southern Israel, killing two people and injuring four before being shot dead by a bystander. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.
Meanwhile, negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza have stalled, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly opposed the U.S. vision for the aftermath of the war. Particularly, he rejects the idea of creating a Palestinian state, stating that it would be a “reward to terrorism.” Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive until Hamas is destroyed and the hostages taken during the October 7th attack are freed.
Despite warnings from President Joe Biden, Netanyahu plans to expand the military operation to the Gaza city of Rafah. However, Biden emphasizes the need for a “credible and executable plan” to ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians.
The war between Israel and Hamas shows no signs of ending, and tensions have escalated with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group. The two sides had their deadliest exchange of fire along the border since the start of the conflict. Israel launched airstrikes into southern Lebanon for a second day in response to a rocket attack that killed an Israeli soldier and wounded several others.
The targeting of hospitals by Israeli forces has been a recurring theme throughout the war, with claims that Hamas is using them for military purposes. These assaults have severely impacted Gaza’s health sector, which is struggling to treat the constant stream of wounded individuals. The Israeli military alleges that Hamas held hostages in Nasser Hospital and that their remains might still be inside. However, these claims have not been independently confirmed.
As troops continue to search the hospital, the more than 460 staff, patients, and their relatives were ordered to move into an older building within the compound. This building is not equipped to treat patients, leaving six patients in the ICU and three infants in incubators unattended. Tragically, five of the ICU patients died due to the cut in electricity, which stopped the oxygen supply.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with international law prohibiting the targeting of medical facilities. The U.N. Human Rights Office emphasizes that even if these facilities are used for military purposes, Israel must take precautions and follow principles of proportionality.
The war between Israel and Hamas began when Hamas militants attacked several Israeli communities on October 7th, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. Israel responded with a deadly and destructive military campaign. The conflict has claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians, displaced a significant portion of the population, and caused a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.
Efforts for a cease-fire are underway, with CIA Director William Burns reportedly flying to Israel to meet with Netanyahu. However, Hamas insists on the release of all remaining captives and the withdrawal of Israeli forces before agreeing to a cease-fire.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the people of Gaza continue to suffer, and the hope for a peaceful resolution remains uncertain.