In a devastating blow to the already dire healthcare situation in the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces have targeted the solar panel system at the al-Shifa Hospital complex, the largest hospital in the region. The hospital, which is already on the brink of collapse due to shortages of fuel, water, and medicines, is now facing an even more critical situation.
Reporting from Khan Younis in Gaza, correspondent Tareq Abou Azzoum highlighted the escalation of Israel’s relentless bombardment in the north and central areas of the besieged enclave. “This time, they [Israeli forces] have destroyed the solar panels installed on the rooftop of the al-Shifa Hospital building,” said Abou Azzoum. “This is a clear attack that destroyed the solar panels that provide electricity to the main departments of the hospital. This will exacerbate the current situation at al-Shifa Hospital with the ongoing crisis with fuel running out at the hospital.”
The destruction of the solar panel system not only hampers the hospital’s ability to provide essential healthcare services but also impacts other vital services, including the provision of water to the thousands of people residing at the hospital complex. The Palestinian Al-Aqsa Radio also confirmed reports of the hospital’s solar panel system being struck by Israel.
This latest attack is part of a pattern of heavy shelling near hospitals in the Gaza Strip as the conflict between Israel and Palestine enters its fourth week. The lack of fuel and the influx of wounded Palestinians at al-Shifa Hospital led to its maternity ward being transferred to the private al-Helou International Hospital on Sunday. The area near al-Shifa has also witnessed particularly intense strikes.
Earlier on the same day, an Israeli attack hit near Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City, resulting in the injury of at least 14 people and damage to the building. Throughout the course of the war, hospitals and ambulances have been targeted multiple times, resulting in the deaths of patients, displaced civilians seeking shelter, and healthcare workers. According to the World Health Organization, a total of 39 health facilities have been damaged since the conflict began. Moreover, electricity and fuel supply cuts have forced hospitals to shut down or reduce their services.
The devastating toll of the war is evident in the staggering number of casualties. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that at least 10,022 Palestinians, including 4,008 children, have been killed since the start of the conflict. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble, leaving over 1.5 million people, more than half the population, internally displaced in Gaza, according to the United Nations.
The destruction of the solar panels at al-Shifa Hospital further exacerbates the already dire healthcare crisis in the Gaza Strip. With fuel, water, and medicine shortages, the ability of hospitals to provide life-saving care is severely compromised. The international community must urgently address this humanitarian catastrophe and work towards a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and suffering in the region.
