DaysofPal- The director of Gaza’s largest medical facility has warned that Al-Shifa Medical Complex is facing imminent shutdown as relentless Israeli attacks intensify across Gaza City, putting thousands of lives at risk.
Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya told Palestine Online on Wednesday that the situation inside the hospital has become “catastrophic in every sense of the word.”
He appealed for urgent international protection for the hospital and its medical staff, allowing them to continue their humanitarian mission.
“If, God forbid, Al-Shifa goes out of service, we will face a true health disaster,” Abu Salmiya said.
“Everyone inside the hospital will be in real danger, and tens of thousands of victims will be left without care.” He added.
The hospital, now the central hub for medical services in Gaza City after several facilities were forced out of service, including Sheikh Radwan Clinic, Rantisi Pediatric Hospital, and the Eye Hospital, is struggling to cope with mass casualties.
Hundreds of wounded arrive daily, many with life-threatening injuries and severe burns covering up to 80 percent of their bodies.
Doctors are often forced to prioritize patients due to a shortage of operating rooms, medicines, and essential supplies.
“The morgue is overflowing with bodies, and we are losing many wounded because we lack surgical capacity and medical necessities,” Abu Salmiya said.
He added that overcrowding is worsening, with 480 patients currently admitted, far beyond the hospital’s capacity.
A looming fuel shortage threatens to halt electricity generators that power intensive care units, operating rooms, dialysis services, and laboratories.
“Fuel is the main artery of hospital operations. Without it, we cannot function. We will be facing a disaster that will endanger everyone inside and outside the hospital,” Abu Salmiya warned.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health confirmed that delays in fuel entry risk shutting down hospitals entirely, crippling already fragile health services.
According to Gaza’s government media office, around 900,000 residents remain in Gaza City despite continuous bombardment and the destruction of infrastructure, clinging to their right to stay on their land.
Backed by U.S. support, the Israeli ongoing military campaign, which began on October 7, 2023, has killed at least 65,344 Palestinians and injured 166,795 more, the majority of them women and children.
Starvation has also claimed 442 lives, including 147 children, health officials report.
“The wounded are in critical condition, the morgue is overflowing, and the hospital is running out of fuel,” Abu Salmiya said.
“We are doing everything we can, but without protection and supplies, Al-Shifa itself may not survive.” He added.
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