While the Gaza conflict continues to escalate, hospitals in Gaza have been under relentless bombardment since last Friday (10 Nov). Al-Shifa hospital complex, the biggest health facility where Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) staff are still working, has been hit several times, including the maternity and outpatient departments, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Since last Saturday (11 Nov) night, MSF has not been able to contact its staff inside Al-Shifa hospital. It is reported that hostilities around Al-Shifa have not stopped and we are worried for the lives of staff and hundreds of patients trapped in the hospital. MSF calls for a cessation of attacks on hospitals and for an immediate ceasefire.
Al-Shifa hospital is the principal hospital complex in Gaza Strip, with 700 beds, providing emergency and surgical care. There are currently no other facilities in the Strip able to admit and treat as many patients with complex, sometimes life-threatening injuries. The hospital is operating under regular attacks and shortages. On 10 November, Al-Shifa hospital lost electrical power. The ambulances could no longer move to collect the injured, and non-stop bombardment prevented patients and staff from evacuating. Our staff were witnessing people being shot at as they attempt to flee the hospital. “We hear them crying for help, but we cannot do anything. It is too dangerous to go outside”, said one member of MSF staff in Gaza.
Dr Mohammed Obeid, MSF surgeon at Al-Shifa hospital, said a lot of patients could not walk after surgery and medical staff stayed to take care of the patients. "We cannot leave. If I am not here or the other surgeon, who will take care of the patients?” said Obeid.
“The situation in al-Shifa is truly catastrophic. We call on the Israeli Government to cease this unrelenting assault on Gaza’s health system. Our staff and patients are inside Al-Shifa hospital where the heavy bombing has not stopped since 10 November”, said Ann Taylor, MSF's Head of Mission in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In addition, MSF has lost contact with a surgeon, working and sheltering in Al-Quds hospital with his family. Other health facilities, including Al Rantisi hospital which MSF has also supported in the past, were reportedly surrounded by Israeli tanks.
MSF urges the US, UK, Canada, Member states of the League of Arab States, Member states of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation and the European Union who have repeatedly called for the respect of International Humanitarian Law to take action to ensure a ceasefire now. Thousands of people have been wounded since October 7, many of whom are in critical condition and will require complex surgeries and sustained treatment. This can only be done with a total ceasefire and the unconditional supply of humanitarian aid including access to food, fuel and water; the survival of people in Gaza depends on this.
