Intensified Conflict in Gaza: Hospitals Surrounded as Fighting Continues Amidst International Pressure
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has led to a precarious situation, with Israeli forces surrounding two more hospitals: Al-Amal Hospital and Nasser Hospital, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS). The intensified shelling and heavy gunfire have placed all medical teams in extreme danger and hindered their ability to move or even bury the body of a colleague, Amir Abu Aisha.
As months have passed with relentless fighting, international pressure on Israel for a ceasefire and hostage deal has not yielded results. The PRCS reported that both hospitals were encircled and that Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility, continued to be under Israeli military occupation.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) apprehended approximately 480 terrorists believed to be affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Al-Shifa Hospital. The IDF also announced the death of one soldier, bringing the total number of soldiers killed since the ground operation began to 252.
The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that at least 32,226 people have perished in the conflict, with nearly 75,000 injured. In January, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that the most intensive phase of operations in northern Gaza had ended, but Hamas’ presence and activities around Al-Shifa Hospital have led to renewed IDF operations.
On Monday, the IDF launched a fresh operation at Al Shifa following claims of “senior Hamas terrorists” using the facility. Approximately 3,000 people sought refuge there while those attempting to leave were targeted by snipers and fire from helicopters.
Hamas denounced the attacks on the hospital, claiming that innocent patients and medical staff were being targeted without regard for their safety. Similar accusations have been raised by those at the complex.
Throughout the conflict, hospitals have served as battlegrounds, with Israel accusing Gazan medical facilities of harboring Hamas fighters and weapons. This allegation has been vehemently denied by doctors and the militant group.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, voiced concerns over the ongoing suffering in Gaza, urging for a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages. He called the relief trucks stalled at the border “a moral outrage,” pleading with Israel to grant “total, unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza.”
Guterres’ remarks elicited anger from Israel, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz labeling the UN an “antisemitic and anti-Israeli body that shelters and emboldens terror” under Guterres’ leadership. Katz accused the UN of criticizing Israel without condemning Hamas for plundering humanitarian aid, as well as failing to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli hostages.
Tensions between Israel and the UN remain high, with the UN being a vocal critic of Israel’s campaign in Gaza while Israel accuses some UN staffers of involvement in the October 7 attacks.