As Israel's operation at Al-Shifa hospital continues into its fourth day, video footage has emerged from the complex, shedding light on the harrowing situation faced by women and children within the premises.
The video, captured through a hole in an exterior wall, shows a group of at least twenty women and children seeking refuge on a staircase. A voice on a loudspeaker can be heard instructing them to stay inside the hospital, warning that anyone attempting to leave will be shot. The message, although claiming to care for the individuals, instills fear and uncertainty among those trapped inside.
One woman, speaking in the video, expresses the confusion and distress felt by the occupants of the hospital, stating that their men have been taken away, leaving the women behind with uncertainty about their fate.
Amidst the chaos, plumes of smoke are seen billowing from inside the complex, indicating the intensity of the situation within the hospital premises.
The loudspeaker message reiterates the demand for the Israeli hostages to be released, promising the safe departure of the women once the objective is achieved. The occupants are urged not to leave the hospital grounds until further instructions are provided by the IDF.
Efforts by the Gaza Civil Defense to reach the hospital area have been hindered by the ongoing dangers in the vicinity. A fire that broke out in a nearby building on Wednesday further adds to the challenges faced by rescue workers, with reports of a battlefield-like scenario with bombings, fires, and casualties on the roads.
The situation at Al-Shifa hospital underscores the urgent need for a resolution to ensure the safety and well-being of the women and children caught in the midst of the conflict.
