2 Gaza Hospitals Forced To Stop Operations As Israeli Offensive Escalates

Two Gaza Hospitals Halt Operations Amid Israeli Offensive Intensification

Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel killed 1,200 people (File)

Cairo:

According to the Gaza health ministry, two hospitals in Gaza City have ceased functioning due to Israel's intensified ground offensive and damage from ongoing Israeli bombardment, as tanks pushed further into the territory.

The ministry stated that Al-Rantissi Children's Hospital suffered severe damage days ago from Israeli bombardment. Simultaneously, it reported Israeli attacks near the neighboring Eye Hospital, which also forced operations there to suspend.

"The occupation deliberately and systematically targets the healthcare system in the Gaza governorate as part of its genocidal policy against the Strip," the statement read.

"None of the facilities or hospitals have safe access routes that allow patients and the wounded to reach them," the ministry further noted.

Israel has not immediately responded to these claims.

Nearly two years into the conflict, Israel identifies Gaza City as Hamas' final stronghold. The Israeli military has been destroying residential blocks it claims were being utilized by the militant group since launching this month's ground assault on the city.

Residents reported on Monday that Israeli tanks had advanced deeper into northern Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan area and Jala Street, where both hospitals are situated, while in Tel Al-Hawa in the southeast, tanks have moved further toward the city's western sections.

They reported that Israeli forces employed remotely detonated explosive-laden vehicles to destroy dozens of houses in both areas.

During a Monday meeting at Tel Aviv military headquarters with Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his determination to eliminate Hamas, secure the release of remaining hostages, and ensure Gaza no longer threatens Israel, according to his office.

The offensive has caused alarm among families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Of the 48 captives remaining, twenty are believed to still be alive.

Meanwhile, local health authorities reported at least 25 people killed by Israeli fire on Monday across the enclave, primarily in Gaza City.

Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel killed 1,200 people, with 251 others taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's two-year campaign has resulted in more than 65,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, according to Gazan health authorities, and has caused widespread famine, demolished most buildings, and displaced most of the territory's population, many multiple times.