For the third time over the last two days, Israeli occupation forces stormed today the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, taking more than 5,000 people inside as hostages, including doctors, nurses, hospital staff, patients, and displaced individuals.

The incident occurred this evening, as hundreds of Israeli occupation soldiers invaded the medical facility, marking the eighth consecutive day of military siege.

Hospital staff have issued a desperate plea to the International Red Cross and other global organizations for protection. The situation inside the hospital has become dire, with no access to water, electricity, or food. Additionally, Israeli occupation forces have been reported to open fire on anyone moving within the hospital premises, resulting in the injury of a 12-year-old child who was shot in the leg for attempting to move between different sections.

WAFA correspondent confirmed that Israeli occupation forces continue to surround the hospital with tanks and bulldozers, as soldiers continu
e raiding the premises of the hospital. The occupation forces have not only invaded the hospital but have also destroyed medical equipment, including CT scanners and MRI machines.

The northern and southern walls of the complex, the hospital kitchen, and vehicles belonging to staff and civilians have been destroyed by Israeli bulldozers. The occupation forces have also razed all roads within a one-kilometer radius of the hospital, including Al-Wehda Street, leading to the destruction of homes, businesses, pharmacies, and a gas station.

The Al-Shifa Medical Complex, affiliated with the Palestinian Ministry of Health, is the largest healthcare complex in the Gaza Strip. Established in 1946 during the British Mandate in Gaza City, the complex has evolved into the primary medical facility in the region, employing 25% of all healthcare workers in Gaza.

Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA