The World Health Organization announced today, Tuesday, that fighting is intensifying around Nasser Hospital, the largest hospital still operational in Gaza, and that the hospital will not be able to continue functioning without access to more supplies. Most hospitals in Gaza have already stopped functioning due to Israeli bombardment and a shortage of supplies after more than three months of Israeli strikes prompted by the deadly attack carried out by Hamas on October 7. The United Nations states that Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, located in central Gaza, is operating at a minimal level while being surrounded by the Israeli army.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said at a press conference in Geneva, "The situation around Nasser Hospital has worsened, characterized by gunfire and fighting around it, making it difficult for people to access or leave the facility." The hospital is housing thousands of displaced people in addition to doctors and patients.
The World Health Organization reported that a shipment of food supplies designated for the hospital was attacked today by hungry crowds due to delayed supplies near an Israeli checkpoint and never reached the hospital. Lindmeier mentioned that permission was not granted for the delivery of additional fuel from the WHO to Nasser Hospital yesterday, even though a medical shipment arrived. He added that "the refusals and delays are part of a pattern that hinders the delivery of humanitarian supplies to hospitals and may render them unable to operate."
