According to reports, health authorities in Gaza say that the Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza within the next hour.
On Saturday, Al Jazeera reported that, according to health officials in Gaza, an announcement was made over loudspeakers ordering the evacuation of patients, refugees, and medical staff from the hospital.
On the other hand, the Israeli military has stated that they have reached an agreement with health authorities at Al-Shifa Hospital for its evacuation and have never issued an order to evacuate patients and doctors. These forces have emphasized in their statement that medical staff and patients who cannot leave the hospital can remain.
According to reports, around 300 patients, including critically injured individuals and more than 30 premature infants, are currently hospitalized at Al-Shifa.
It is worth noting that both the Israeli military and the United States have claimed that Hamas forces were present at Al-Shifa Hospital and that this group has underground tunnels.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian self-governing body, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has condemned the evacuation of Al-Shifa Hospital, describing it as “another layer of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians.” According to their statement, “The evacuation of the hospital exacerbates the humanitarian and environmental catastrophe facing Gaza, adding further pressure on the already overwhelmed hospitals in southern Gaza.”
Additionally, the Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of the 400,000 residents of Khan Yunis, a city in southern Gaza.
Al-Shifa Hospital is one of the most extensive medical facilities in Gaza and has been under siege by the Israeli military in recent days.
