Gaza Hospitals Face Shutdowns As Israeli Assault Hinders Aid Operations
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Several Gaza hospitals have been forced to partially close due to a lack of supplies or to only operate in an emergency department, while Israeli warplanes target hospital proximities to hinder aid work operations.
Health ministry officials report that over 30 hospitals and health centers in Gaza have closed due to shortages of medical and fuel supplies since the commencement of Israel's military operations in the enclave.
Several hospitals have been forced to partially shut down, with Nasr Hospital now operating only its emergency department, while all other departments have closed.
The situation is expected to worsen, with more hospitals facing complete shutdowns in the coming hours and days if supplies are not allowed into Gaza.
Israeli warplanes have carried out air raids near Gaza's largest hospital, which is currently filled with patients and thousands seeking shelter. Israel alleges that Hamas has a command post under the hospital, although no evidence has been provided to support this claim.
Residents have reported that the recent strikes have severely damaged roads leading to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, making access increasingly difficult and raising concerns about the intentions behind these attacks.
Since the conflict began on October 7, only 87 trucks have been permitted to enter Gaza through the Egypt-controlled Rafah border crossing, carrying limited supplies of water, food, and medicine.
UN agencies have warned that this falls significantly short of what is needed, with no agreement reached on allowing fuel into Gaza, further hindering humanitarian operations.
On Saturday, Egypt's Foreign Ministry cited "Israeli obstacles" as a significant factor in delaying aid delivery through the Rafah crossing, with inspections at the Nitzana crossing contributing to these delays.
Evacuation warnings have also been issued by the Israeli army, urging residents of Gaza City and northern Gaza to move to so-called "safer areas" south of the Wadi Gaza river, promising humanitarian aid, including water, food, and medicine.
While such warnings have been issued in the past through various means, there are concerns about the safety of areas recommended for relocation, as some have been targeted in subsequent attacks, resulting in casualties.
