Israeli tanks form ‘circle of death’ around Gaza hospital, medics say
Israeli Defense Forces formed a “ circle of death” around Gaza’s main medical center, according to medics, who say 32 patients died inside Al Shifa hospital over the weekend due to a lack of fuel.
Gaza health ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qidra said three newborn babies were among the patients who died in the past three days due to power outages caused by Israel’s war with Hamas’ terrorists.
“We are besieged and are inside a circle of death,” Qidra said.
Reuters reports at least 650 patients remain in the hospital. Israeli officials say the hospital sits atop a series of tunnels used by terrorists in the Palestinian territory. Hamas denies that claim, as does at least one doctor inside the facility.
Only hospital facility, hospital patients, doctors and other civilians staying in the hospital,” Dr. Ahmed El Mokhallalati told Reuters by phone. “Someone should stop this.”
El Mokhallalati said the hospital is no longer “a safe place for treating patients” and keeping them there is putting people in danger. He said bombings have compromised Al Shifa’s water and oxygen supplies. The World Health Organization said Gaza’s main hospital is no longer operating.
Neonatal surgeon Dr. Shireen Abed told MSNBC there are dozens of newborns inside the hospital and “we expect all to die.”
Israel’s defense minister ordered a “ complete siege” of Gaza after Hamas’ terrorists cross its border into Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 240 more, according to Israeli officials. Many of those hostages are believed to be in Gaza.
Medical professional in Gaza say11,000 people have been killed there since Israel began its retaliation for Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.
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