Al Shifa Hospital is now out of service - Doctors Without Borders
People in the north are left with even fewer healthcare options.
KUALA LUMPUR - Gaza’s largest hospital, Al Shifa Hospital, is now out of service after being devastated following a 14-day-long operation by Israeli forces in and around the facility, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
"Doctors Without Borders is horrified that Al Shifa Hospital is in ruins," it said.
MSF, an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation with doctors on the ground in Gaza treating patients, noted that given the extent of the destruction, people in the north are left with even fewer healthcare options.
"Access to Al Shifa Hospital was impossible for days, leaving patients without care," MSF stated in a website post.
MSF also reported mass arrests of medical staff and others in and around the hospital.
The violence of the assault and heavy fighting also impacted the Doctors Without Borders' clinic located near the hospital, it said.
"I saw the huge damage. I was in shock. The office, clinic, all the cars, and generators were damaged,” said a Doctors Without Borders staff member.
Doctors Without Borders staff members visited Al Shifa Hospital in January and March. Although the hospital was only partially functioning and desperately lacking supplies, medical staff were still treating over 200 patients in March.
Doctors Without Borders is calling for the safe evacuation of the remaining patients so they can receive the care they need.
"An immediate and sustained ceasefire must be implemented now to put an end to the destruction of healthcare facilities, endangering the lives of patients and medical staff," said MSF. - BERNAMA
