Crisis at Nasser Hospital in Gaza: Immediate need for medical intervention

Crowded corridors in the aftermath of Israeli forces raiding Nasser Hospital

Functional disruptions at Nasser Hospital demand immediate attention, says WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that Nasser Hospital in Gaza, the largest functioning medical facility in the region, is now no longer operational following an Israeli raid. The hospital’s dire status was made public by WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who expressed concerns about the impact of the siege and the ongoing raid on the health and well-being of Gaza’s inhabitants. WHO teams, attempting to deliver fuel and assess patient and medical needs, were twice denied entry by Israeli forces, exacerbating an already precarious situation. Currently, there are approximately 200 patients left at the facility, with at least 20 requiring immediate referral to other hospitals.

Continued Israeli offensive in Khan Younis leads to dire consequences

Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza, has been the focal point of a sustained Israeli offensive, with Israeli Defense Forces arresting over 100 militants, including 20 involved in triggering the Hamas-Israel war. This incursion, initially launched to locate the remains of hostages, has resulted in a detrimental impact on Nasser Hospital’s operations and patient care in the region. Additionally, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has reported that 70 medical personnel were among those arrested, significantly hampering the provision of healthcare. Tragically, the loss of power and oxygen caused by the Israeli sweep has resulted in the deaths of eleven patients, and according to Tedros, the lives of more critical patients remain in jeopardy without prompt intervention and support.

Developments: Israeli strikes, U.S. intervention, and sporting event controversy

■ Israeli airstrikes overnight into Sunday claimed the lives of at least 18 people in Gaza, including women and children, in both the cities of Rafah and Gaza City.

■ U.S. Central Command has reported targeting five Houthi bases in the region, including anti-ship cruise missiles and various drones, citing an imminent threat to American naval and merchant vessels.

■ Israeli swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko faced an unexpected display of disapproval from part of the crowd during the Doha World Championships in Qatar after winning the silver medal.

■ The U.S. has announced its vetoing of a draft U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a sustainable long-term solution to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Efforts for cease-fire hampered by contentious demands and political disunity

Concerted diplomatic attempts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to broker a sustainable cease-fire, aimed at freeing the remaining hostages in Gaza, have been disrupted by persistent rigid demands from both Israel and Hamas. Frustratingly, the Israeli Cabinet recently voiced its opposition to international stipulations regarding a permanent arrangement with the Palestinians and repudiated any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. The deadlock in negotiations continues to prolong the suffering of the Palestinian people, amplifying the urgency for a resolution to the crisis that ensures the safety and well-being of all affected.

Contributing: The Associated Press

Timestamp: Published on 2024-02-18 20:05:17 +0000 UTC, Updated on 2024-02-18 20:05:17 +0000 UTC