WHO: Al-Shifa Hospital ER a 'bloodbath'
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The WHO, in a statement on Sunday, described the emergency department at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza as a "bloodbath".
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Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip arrive at a hospital in Khan Younis on Friday, December 8, 2023. (AP)
The WHO, in a statement on Sunday, described the emergency department at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza as a "bloodbath" as "Israel's" war strategy hits hospitals and medical complexes.
Members from the WHO and UN agencies were able to deliver limited medical supplies to the hospital on Saturday, but highlighted the "severe shortage of food and water" on its grounds, as thousands of displaced Palestinians sought shelter in it.
"The team described the emergency department as a 'bloodbath', with hundreds of injured patients inside, and new patients arriving every minute," the WHO said, adding that "patients with trauma injuries were being sutured on the floor... (and) no pain management is available".
It was reported that the hospital is running at maximum capacity but with very limited staff and supplies, and had to transfer critical patients to Al-Ahli Hospital. Operating rooms are reportedly not working due to the lack of oxygen, spiking the need for a hospital "resuscitation". As a result, among thousands of patients, only 30 can be put on dialysis per day.
Al-Shifa to be reinforced soon
The health sector in Gaza is crumbling with every Israeli attack. The Israeli war machine has repeatedly targeted, raided, and bombarded hospitals under the claim of Hamas tunnels being built beneath the grounds, a claim that has been consistently refuted.
The WHO said it would reinforce Al-Shifa soon for it to resume basic services.
"Up to 20 operating theatres in the hospital, as well as post-operative care services, can be activated if provided with regular supplies of fuel, oxygen, medicines, food, and water," the WHO said. Employing relevant staff is also necessary, the WHO added.
All surviving hospitals in Gaza are currently functioning at a minimum, while Al-Ahli is "partially functioning". Before the war, more than 36 medical facilities were operating in Gaza.
Read more: WHO: Gaza Health Sector buckled to its knees
The WHO also addressed concerns for Kamal Adwan Hospital, which has seen multiple attacks and raids by the IOF.
"Israel's" most recent massacre transpired as Israeli tanks raided the Kamal Adwan Martyrs Hospital, running down Palestinian refugee tents, and leading to Palestinians being buried alive, Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Gaza reported.
