Gaza, January 22, 2024, The Europe Today: In a distressing turn of events, Israeli forces made significant incursions deep into western Khan Younis in Gaza, marking the bloodiest fighting witnessed in the new year. On Monday, they reportedly stormed one hospital and placed another under siege, disrupting access to critical trauma care for the wounded, according to Palestinian officials.
The incursion extended into the al-Mawasi district, situated near the Mediterranean Coast to the west of Khan Younis, a major city in southern Gaza. The Al-Khair hospital in this district faced a direct assault, with reports indicating arrests of medical staff, as conveyed by Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al Qidra.
Simultaneously, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported the encirclement of another vital healthcare facility, al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis. This hospital serves as the headquarters of the rescue agency, and communication loss with its staff intensified concerns.
Ashraf al Qidra provided grim statistics, indicating that at least 50 people lost their lives overnight in Khan Younis. The sieges imposed on medical facilities have resulted in dozens of dead and wounded being tragically beyond the reach of rescuers, compounding the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
The intensification of military actions and the direct impact on healthcare infrastructure raises urgent concerns about the well-being of civilians in the affected areas, emphasizing the need for swift international attention and diplomatic efforts to address the escalating situation.
