In Gaza, ground forces are advancing while missiles strike near hospitals. Joining us from Jerusalem is NBC’s Aon Mlin.
Erin, can you provide information on the dire situation at alsa hospital and the reports of Israeli forces closing in on hospitals? As the Israeli military pushes deeper into Gaza City, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent, four main hospitals, including alifa hospital, are in heavily bombed areas. This is causing immense suffering for the tens of thousands of Palestinians taking shelter there.
Doctors inside the hospital have informed us that the situation is desperate, with a power outage in the ICU and Pediatric unit resulting in at least two patient deaths, including an infant. The hospital lacks essential resources such as water, medicine, and food.
One surgeon described the fear and horror felt by patients and staff due to the constant shooting and bombardment, preventing ambulances from operating safely. In response, the Israeli military acknowledges intense fighting near alifa hospital with Hamas militants but denies any siege or shooting at the hospital. They claim that the east side of the hospital remains open and that they can coordinate safe evacuation for those who wish to leave.
However, given the large number of patients, including severely injured individuals, evacuation is currently not feasible. Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, thousands of people are gathering for a rally to remember the 239 hostages captured by Hamas militants on October 7th. They aim to keep the fate of those hostages at the forefront of the Israeli government’s attention..
