Saturday 27 / July / 2024
Gaza: Both the UN and the Red Cross on Wednesday voiced alarm over the Israeli military's raid on the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza.
"I'm appalled by reports of military raids in Al Shifa hospital in Gaza," UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
"The protection of newborns, patients, medical staff and all civilians must override all other concerns. Hospitals are not battlegrounds," Griffiths said.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) meanwhile said it was "extremely concerned about the impact on sick and wounded people, medical staff, and civilians".
"All measures to avoid any consequences on them must be taken," the ICRC said, insisting that "patients, medical staff, and civilians must be at all times protected."
Military action at Al-Shifa hospital 'deeply concerning' — WHO head
Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said reports of a "military incursion into Al-Shifa hospital are deeply concerning," in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
"We've lost touch again with health personnel at the hospital. We're extremely worried for their and their patients' safety," Tedros said.
Israeli forces entered the grounds of Gaza's largest medical facility early on Wednesday in what it said was a "precise targeted operation."
There has been heavy fighting near the hospital in recent days with the situation becoming increasingly desperate for patients and those seeking shelter.
Israel's military says the Hamas militant group has an underground headquarters beneath the hospital, a claim hospital management has denied.
UN aid agency says fuel delivery 'not at all enough'
The United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said on Wednesday that the fuel delivered to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing, was not enough.
"This is the equivalent of half a truck! Not at all enough!" UNRWA said in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. "Fuel is being used as a weapon of war, this must stop," the agency said.
Director of UNRWA Affairs Thomas White said the agency had received 23,027 liters (6,083 gallons), and added that "its use has been restricted by Israeli authorities — only for transporting aid from Rafah. No fuel for water of hospitals."
White pointed out that the amount received was 9% of what was needed to "sustain lifesaving activities."
