Israeli forces besiege Gaza’s al-Shifa Hospital as Oxfam accuses Tel Aviv of stopping aid

Palestinians at al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza City are reporting fierce confrontations and gunshots amid Israeli soldiers’ fresh offensive on Gaza’s largest hospital. More than 30,000 people are reportedly trapped in the hospital…

Gaza’s Health Ministry has declared that some 30,000 people, including displaced civilians, wounded patients, and medical staff, are trapped inside al-Shifa Hospital as Israeli attacks on the enclave intensify.

Israeli forces have besieged and opened fire inside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, resulting in deaths and injuries, according to officials.

Footage shows dozens of Palestinians in the hospital fleeing for safety, where hundreds of displaced people, patients, and medical staff have been taking shelter.

In a message in English on Telegram, the ministry of health said anyone “who tries to move is targeted by sniper bullets and quadcopters.”

Gaza’s Ministry of Health has issued a statement stating that Israel is responsible for the deaths of medical personnel, patients, and displaced persons in al-Shifa, and that the operations are a clear breach of international humanitarian law.

The latest attack is the fourth raid on al-Shifa Hospital since October 7.

Meanwhile, the UK charity Oxfam has released a new report accusing Israel of blocking the entry and distribution of aid in the Gaza Strip, in violation of an order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed 31,645 Palestinians, and 73,676 have been injured since October 7.

The revised death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attack stands at 1,139, with dozens held in captivity.