Al-Shifa Hospital has been a focal point of Israel’s ground offensive in northern Gaza, with the World Health Organization, the United Nations health agency, labeling it a “death zone.”
More than 200 medical workers have been killed and most hospitals have been closed during weeks of indiscriminate bombing by Israel.
The Israeli army ordered the evacuation of Gaza’s largest medical center on November 18, but it was not possible to evacuate all patients, as for some an evacuation would have posed high health risks.
Israeli forces, who attacked the hospital last week, claimed Hamas fighters had used a tunnel complex beneath the Gaza City facility to stage attacks. Hamas and hospital officials have repeatedly denied these claims.
Israel also arrested Muhammad Abu Salmiya, director of al-Shifa Hospital.
