In a tragic turn of events, the Israeli army reportedly carried out a forceful incursion into Nasser Hospital, located in the city of Khan Younis, following the killing of a patient and injuries sustained by six others. Palestinian Health Ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qidra condemned the incident, describing it as a “massive incursion” marked by heavy shooting that further wounded displaced individuals seeking refuge in the hospital.
Al-Qidra revealed that the Israeli military directed medics to relocate all patients to an older building within the hospital premises, lacking adequate facilities for proper treatment. Expressing concern for those unable to evacuate, including individuals with lower limb amputations, severe burns, and the elderly, al-Qidra emphasized the challenging conditions faced by patients.
This raid occurred just a day after the Israeli army attempted to evacuate thousands of displaced individuals who had sought shelter at Nasser Hospital. The ongoing operations have significantly strained Gaza’s health sector, grappling to provide adequate care for numerous patients injured in the relentless daily bombardments.
Footage from the aftermath of the overnight strike depicted medics urgently navigating stretchers through a smoke or dust-filled corridor. In a darkened room, a wounded man could be heard screaming in pain while gunfire echoed outside, illuminated only by a medic’s cellphone flashlight.
Dr. Khaled Alserr, one of the few remaining surgeons at Nasser Hospital, informed the Associated Press (AP) that the seven patients affected in the recent attack were already undergoing treatment for previous injuries. He expressed the escalating nature of the situation, emphasizing the increasing challenges faced by medical professionals in providing essential care.