The World Health Organization has reported that one of the last remaining hospitals serving people in the Gaza Strip is no longer functional following an Israeli military operation. The Israeli military claims that Hamas was operating within the hospital, leading to its closure.
Israel has announced its intention to expand military operations in Rafa if Hamas does not release remaining hostages by the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. This move is seen as an attempt to pressure Hamas into agreeing to the Israeli government's terms for a ceasefire.
The military operations in Hanyun, where the hospital is located, have been ongoing for longer than anticipated by the IDF. The Anasa Hospital has been transformed into an IDF camp, with around a hundred terror suspects reportedly detained there over the weekend. The WHO managed to evacuate 14 critical care patients from the hospital, highlighting the dire situation.
The Israeli government has assured that efforts will be made to evacuate the 1.5 million civilians in Rafa if military operations are expanded. However, the logistics of such a mass evacuation remain unclear, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of the civilian population.
The escalating tensions in Rafa have drawn international attention, with the government signaling its readiness to proceed with the operation if the hostages are not released as demanded. The situation remains fluid, with the looming deadline adding urgency to the already volatile circumstances.