A new video has emerged showing the deteriorating situation at one of Khan Younis' only functioning hospitals in Gaza. Patients are being evacuated from Nassar Hospital following a disturbing incident involving Israeli military personnel. Witnesses reported that medical staff were rounded up, forced to strip, and left waiting in the cold for hours. Only a few workers were allowed back inside to attend to patients, with reports of physical abuse against one nurse.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have responded to these allegations by stating that they were following international humanitarian laws of warfare. The IDF claimed they had information suggesting hostages or hostages' remains might be present at the hospital. However, they found medicine intended for hostages that had not been delivered. This was part of an agreement brokered by Qatar for Israel to provide medical aid to elderly and sick hostages.
The IDF did not directly address the specific claims of medical staff being mistreated but mentioned detaining over 100 individuals deemed as terror suspects. Israel typically detains such individuals for questioning and releases those considered safe. The IDF's primary objective in entering the hospital appears to be military-related.
Reports from the World Health Organization and others indicate that Nassar Hospital is not fully operational and lacks essential resources. A reconstructed plastic surgeon who was present at the hospital described the challenging conditions faced by him and his family during the siege. He mentioned limited food availability, with his family only eating once a day.
The emotional toll and strain experienced by medical personnel and patients in Gaza's hospitals amid the ongoing conflict are evident. Despite efforts to provide assistance, the situation remains dire for those seeking medical care in the region.
