Darkness through Gaza

Israeli forces have reportedly ordered doctors, patients, and displaced individuals at Gaza's al-Shifa Hospital to evacuate the medical compound. According to medical sources within the facility, they were given only one hour to leave and some were even forced to do so at gunpoint. However, the Israeli army has denied these claims in a post on X, stating that they had simply acceded to the hospital director's request to allow additional Gazans to evacuate through a secure route. Mohammed Zaqout, the director-general of hospitals in Gaza, has strongly refuted the Israeli army's denial, stating that they were indeed forced to leave at gunpoint.

Inside al-Shifa, there are over 7,000 individuals, including critically ill patients and newborns fighting for their lives. Israeli soldiers have laid siege to the facility for several days, causing immense distress and concern. According to a doctor at al-Shifa, they were given an order by the Israelis to evacuate within one hour, but it proved impossible to do so. This situation has created a state of panic and fear within the hospital. Al Jazeera's Youmna ElSayed, reporting from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, mentioned that there is a lack of ambulances to transfer patients and premature babies to the south of Gaza.

At al-Shifa, there are over 300 patients, many of whom are in critical condition. Additionally, there are numerous displaced families seeking refuge. Among the patients are 35 premature babies who have been without their incubators for eight days due to the shortage of oxygen and electricity. Tragically, four of these babies have already passed away, while five others are currently in a severe condition. The lack of fuel has also resulted in a transportation crisis, making it impossible for people to evacuate by any means other than walking. However, doctors are reluctant to leave their patients behind.

1. Omar Zaqout, the hospital's supervisor, informed Al Jazeera that the forced evacuations had commenced after the Israeli army's deadline had passed on Saturday morning. He further described the scenes outside the facility as "appalling."

2. According to Omar Zaqout, the hospital's supervisor, the forced evacuations began after the Israeli army's deadline expired on Saturday morning. He expressed his dismay at the distressing scenes unfolding outside the facility.

3. Al Jazeera was informed by Omar Zaqout, the hospital's supervisor, that the forced evacuations had started after the Israeli army's deadline had lapsed on Saturday morning. He expressed his shock at the shocking scenes outside the facility.

4. Omar Zaqout, the hospital's supervisor, shared with Al Jazeera that the forced evacuations had commenced after the Israeli army's deadline had passed on Saturday morning. He described the scenes outside the facility as "appalling" and expressed concern for the homeless individuals who were unable to walk.

5. After the Israeli army's deadline expired on Saturday morning, Omar Zaqout, the hospital's supervisor, informed Al Jazeera that the forced evacuations had begun. He expressed his dismay at the distressing scenes outside the facility, mentioning the presence of numerous dead bodies on the road and homeless individuals left exposed.

Al-Barsh, in an interview with Al Jazeera, expressed how the soldiers humiliated them throughout the entire journey. He described the distressing scenes of patients being placed on wheelchairs or rolling beds, while family members were forced to carry their wounded loved ones. These unprecedented scenes left a lasting impact on everyone. Doctors revealed that the Israeli army directed people to evacuate through al-Rashid street instead of the usual route, Salah al-Din street, causing confusion. ElSayed further explained that the army did not provide any means of transportation or fuel for ambulances and cars, leaving patients, premature babies, and displaced families stranded. The hospital has been deprived of basic necessities like food, water, electricity, and oxygen for over a week. Israeli troops and tanks raided the facility, alleging the presence of a Hamas command center, but no evidence was found to support this claim. Zaqout highlighted the dire consequences of the water shortage at al-Shifa, leading to a complete absence of hygiene and cleanliness. With the electrical power out for more than three weeks, infants and newborns are left without oxygen, creating an unbearable situation resembling a medieval cave.