Desperate Times at Gaza's Last Hospital

One of Gaza's last operational hospitals, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, is witnessing a mass evacuation as Israel issues orders for nearby areas in anticipation of a ground operation. Medical staff and patients fear for their lives amid accusations and counterclaims of military misuse of health facilities. The conflict has already displaced 90% of Gaza's residents.

One of Gaza's last functioning hospitals is emptying out as Israel orders evacuations of nearby areas, signaling a possible ground operation in a relatively untouched town, officials stated on Monday.

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza's main medical facility, remains unevacuated. However, patients and people sheltering there fear it could be engulfed in fighting or become an Israeli raid target.

Throughout the 10-month-old war, Israeli forces have accused Hamas of using hospitals for military purposes—allegations Palestinian health officials deny. The UN reports that Israeli evacuation orders now cover 84% of Gaza, displacing 90% of its 2.3 million residents, many multiple times.

(With inputs from agencies.)