GAZA CITY: The World Health Organization (WHO) has lauded the resilience of the medical staff at Al Shifa hospital in Gaza, acknowledging their “heroic efforts” to provide care despite facing challenges due to the ongoing Israeli bombardment and ground invasion. The hospital, crucial for medical care in the region, has been hampered by a lack of essential resources, including electricity, water, and basic equipment.
Since the initiation of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, Al Shifa hospital has faced devastating disruptions.
Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for WHO, expressed concern over the dire situation at Al Shifa, stating, “We know there is not enough food, that the staff are struggling to get any clean water because their water tanks were destroyed, but they are still doing everything they can to keep providing medical care for the desperately ill patients they have.”
Dire Situation at Gaza’s Al Shifa Hospital
The hospital currently accommodates 700 patients, over 400 health staff, and approximately 3,000 internally displaced Palestinian people. Harris reported 20 inpatient deaths in the last 48 hours, emphasizing that the situation could be more severe than reported.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Harris described Al Shifa as a “functioning hospital” due to the unwavering dedication of its staff. However, the hospital faces an acute sanitary crisis, prompting plans to conduct burials within the facility’s compound.
Harris emphasized the need for immediate intervention, urging a cessation of hostilities: “The best way would be to stop the hostilities right now. Focus on saving lives, not taking lives.”
