As Israel's military operations intensify near Khan Younis, the Nasser Medical Complex is on the verge of a humanitarian crisis due to severe fuel shortages. Doctors warn that essential medical services are at risk of total shutdown following the halted patient admissions. On Thursday, Israeli troops advanced close to the hospital, prompting fears among medical staff and patients, particularly in intensive care.
Reports indicate Israeli tanks were active only 200 meters from the hospital, firing shells towards camps housing displaced families. Witnesses noted that some evacuees faced gunfire as they fled the area, and local medical personnel reported casualties even within the hospital's immediate vicinity. Dr. Saber al-Asmar, an emergency physician at Nasser hospital, criticized the lack of military communication about operations occurring near their facility, exacerbating an already precarious situation.
On Friday, the Israeli Defense Forces acknowledged their operations in Khan Younis aimed at dismantling perceived threats, without commenting on the immediate impact on civilian medical services. As fuel dwindles, staff fear for the survival of dozens of patients reliant on medical equipment. The World Health Organization's representative described Nasser hospital as overwhelmed, with nearly double its intended capacity of patients, necessitating around-the-clock work under dire conditions.
Additional reports detail civilians being injured by stray bullets near the hospital and the reality that the medical staff work with depleting resources, grappling with hundreds of trauma patients sustained from ongoing conflict incidents. The situation is complicated by a broader shortage of medical supplies, particularly for treating severe injuries.
Meanwhile, the international community, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, has voiced outrage over incidents involving their personnel amid ongoing hostilities. In northern Gaza, airstrikes reportedly killed Hamas figures and civilians alike, echoing the spiraling violence that has marked the region since the onset of military action.
As negotiations over a potential ceasefire continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated progress toward a possible hostage release deal. However, Palestinian officials reported ongoing stalemates in indirect discussions, raising concerns about humanitarian aid distribution and troop withdrawals in conflict zones.
The conflict, which erupted in response to a Hamas-led assault, has resulted in devastating casualties on both sides, with Gaza's health ministry reporting high death tolls since early October. The international focus remains on halting violence and addressing urgent humanitarian needs as the situation unfolds.
