Four people in intensive care have died as Israel stormed the main hospital in southern Gaza, according to health officials.
Israeli special forces confirmed yesterday they were operating inside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, claiming credible information the bodies of hostages taken on 7 October may be in the facility.
The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry accused Israel of killing a patient and wounding six others shortly later.
Now, health officials say four more have died after their oxygen supply was shut off when electricity was cut.
The hospital has been besieged by Israeli troops for nearly a week, with staff, patients and others inside struggling under heavy fire and dwindling supplies, including food and water.
It’s the latest hospital Israeli forces have targeted during the war, claiming Hamas was using them for military purposes.
The assaults have gutted Gaza’s health sector as it struggles to treat a growing number of casualties from daily bombardments.
Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman for Israel, said forces were conducting a “precise and limited” operation there and would not forcibly evacuate medics or patients. He also claimed patients were “safe”.
He said dozens of militants have been arrested from Nasser Hospital, including three who participated in the 7 October attack.
He also claimed troops found grenades and mortar shells – though this could not be independently confirmed.
A released hostage told the Associated Press last month she and more than two dozen other captives had been held in Nasser Hospital.
International law prohibits the targeting of medical facilities, though they can lose those protections if they are used for military purposes.
Even then, Israel must take precautions and follow principles of proportionality, according to the UN Human Rights Office.
As the occupying power, Israel has the duty to maintain medical facilities.
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