An Israeli military siege of hospitals in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis is now in its fifth day, said Dr. Ashraf al-Qudra, spokesman for the Hamas-controlled Gaza Ministry of Health.
The Israel Defense Forces said Friday that its intelligence indicated that “Hamas terrorists” were operating inside Al-Amal and Nasser hospitals.
Here is the situation on the ground:
Al-Amal Hospital : “Shrapnel fragments” penetrate the walls of the Al-Amal Hospital building, which is surrounded by Israeli tanks, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent, the aid agency that is also based at the hospital. A house near the eastern gate of Al-Amal hospital was targeted by the Israeli military, the PRCS said, causing “extensive material damage” to the hospital building.
Nasser Hospital : Most doctors have left the facility – only 12 surgeons and a few other medical staff remain, Dr. Ahmad Moghrabi said in a video statement from the hospital. “What is happening at the hospital is a true horror. There are bombings everywhere, sounds of gunfire,” he said. The region has been left completely without food, anesthetics and painkillers, said Qudra, spokesman for the Ministry of Health. There are currently 150 health workers, 350 patients and hundreds of displaced people, he added.
What the footage shows : In a video obtained by CNN , several people – some injured – carry their belongings and appear to be struggling to leave the Nasser Hospital premises, fearing an imminent attack following the order to leave, which was issued by the Israeli Army on Friday. Requests included residents of several neighborhoods west of the city of Khan Younis. They were asked to go to the nearby coastal area of Al-Mawasi.
What the witnesses say : Eyewitnesses in Khan Younis said they were shot at whenever they tried to change location. Mohammaed El Helo, a journalist in Khan Younis, said Friday in a video obtained by CNN that the Israeli military is “targeting civilians directly and systemically as they cross the secure corridor.” El Helo is seen running in the video, carrying a bleeding man on his shoulders. Around him are hundreds of people also running and looking for safety. El Helo said Israeli forces “do not distinguish between one and the other. They target everyone.”
What does the Israeli army say : The army did not respond to the request CNN to comment on allegations made by health officials and eyewitnesses in Khan Younis, including allegations that they fired at civilians. In a statement released on Friday, the defense forces said they are carrying out “precise operations” against Hamas in Khan Younis and are in contact with the directors of hospitals in Khan Younis to ensure they remain operational.
Source: CNN Brasil
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