The World Health Organization (WHO) has lost communication with its contacts in the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip, Al-Shifa Hospital, amid reports that the facility was facing attacks by Israel, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Sunday (November 12, 2023).
“WHO has lost contact with its focal points in Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, amid horrifying reports of the hospital facing repeated attacks. There are reports that some of those who fled the hospital have been shot at, wounded, or killed,” Ghebreyesus tweeted.
According to the latest reports, the facility was surrounded by tanks, he said. The WHO chief once again called for a ceasefire and protection of civilians.
On Friday, the hospital was struck by the Israeli military, doctors told NBC News.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it did not surround or target Al-Shifa, but confirmed there were clashes between the IDF and Hamas around the hospital, adding that people were guaranteed a safe exit from Al-Shifa, on the east side of it.
On October 7, Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel from Gaza, killing and abducting people in neighboring Israeli communities.
Israel retaliated with missile strikes and a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to more than 2 million people.
On October 27, Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion into Gaza with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas and rescuing the hostages.
