Gaza Hospitals Under Siege | Live Israel Hamas War Updates | Nov 20-23
IDF lays siege to Gaza's Hospitals
Israel's claim of a Hamas tunnel at Al-Shifa Hospital was vehemently denied by Gaza health authorities. Israel's continued strikes have resulted in over 13,000 casualties, with concerns rising over the toll on civilians. Journalists and media workers have not been spared, with 48 casualties reported. Houthi rebels seizing an Israeli-linked ship in the Red Sea raises fears of a broader conflict. Al-Shifa Hospital, now a "death zone," is at the center of controversy, with Israel releasing footage of a tunnel and facing pressure to prove Hamas' use of the hospital for military purposes. International bodies describe the hospital as a grim scene. Negotiations for a hostage release are underway, while public opinion in the U.S. reflects dissatisfaction with President Biden's handling. The humanitarian crisis worsens, with over 1.6 million displaced in Gaza. The conflict takes a toll on hospitals, prompting calls for a "war on hospitals."
WHO Unable to Establish Contact with Indonesian Hospital: Status of 700 Patients and Staff Unknown
November 20, 2023Amid reports of bombings and gunfire in the vicinity, the World Health Organization (WHO) is facing challenges in establishing contact with the Indonesian Hospital. Rob Holden, the WHO's senior emergency officer, stated in a UN briefing from Gaza that efforts are underway to establish a communication line to determine the current status of the patients. As of now, the organization has no direct information from anyone inside the hospital, leaving the status of the 700 patients and staff within the facility unknown.
US Urges Israel to Permit Development of Gaza's Offshore Natural Gas Field: Report
November 20, 2023In a bid to stimulate the post-war Palestinian economy, the United States is reportedly pressuring Israel to allow the development of the Gaza marine field, as detailed in an Israeli daily, Haaretz. Amos Hochstein, a key energy adviser to President Biden, is currently in Israel to discuss this matter. The Gaza marine field, located approximately 32km off the besieged enclave's coast, holds an estimated 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. While acknowledging the field's potential as a revenue source for the Palestinian government and an independent energy system, Hochstein emphasizes cautious optimism regarding its development.
Family Fleeing Northern Gaza Violence Killed in Khan Younis Strike
November 20, 2023A tragic incident unfolded in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, where an Israeli army strike targeted a residential building, claiming the lives of five members of a family. These individuals were evacuees from northern Gaza, seeking refuge from the ongoing violence and bombings in that region. The strike, initially directed at a different apartment in the Hamad residential compound, breached the wall, reaching the shelter where the family sought safety. The situation remains critical, with ongoing air strikes reported in the Nuseirat refugee camp.
WHO Confirms Evacuation of 12 Premature Babies from Gaza to Cairo for Specialized Medical Care
November 20, 2023The director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has verified the evacuation of 28 out of 31 newborns from al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza to El Arish in Egypt. Notably, twelve premature babies have already been transported to Cairo for specialized medical treatment. Dr. Tedros emphasized that all infants are battling severe infections and other medical conditions, requiring specialized care. Three infants are currently receiving treatment at the Emarati Hospital in southern Gaza.
IDF Urges Immediate Southward Evacuation for Northern Gaza Residents with 5-Hour Deadline
November 20, 2023The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued an urgent call for residents in northern Gaza to promptly relocate south, imposing a five-hour deadline for compliance. The move is prompted by ongoing military operations or potential security concerns in the specified area. As tensions persist, residents are advised to adhere to evacuation instructions and take immediate measures to safeguard their well-being in the face of potential risks.
Houthis Release Video of Red Sea Cargo Ship Hijacking
November 20, 2023Yemen-based group, the Houthis, has released a video depicting the hijacking of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea. The footage reveals a small helicopter landing on the ship, followed by armed individuals taking control of the bridge while workers comply with hands behind their heads. The wider shot displays several speedboats with Palestinian and Yemeni flags surrounding the ship, which was subsequently taken to the coast of Yemen. Discrepancies in nationality claims emerge as the Houthis assert it to be Israeli, while Israel identifies it as a British-owned and Japanese-operated cargo vessel, denying the presence of Israeli nationals on board.
Rights Group Appeals to ICC for Arrest Warrants Against Israeli Officials for Crimes Against Palestinian Children
November 20, 2023Gaza-based human rights center Al-Mezan has petitioned the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials allegedly involved in crimes against Palestinian children. The plea comes in the wake of alarming statistics from aid group Save The Children, indicating that over 5,500 children in the Gaza Strip have lost their lives since October 7. The rights group asserts that such warrants are crucial for addressing alleged offenses and ensuring justice for the affected Palestinian children.
Israeli Army Attack on UN School in Bureij Camp Claims Over 10 Lives: Hamas
November 20, 2023Hamas denounces the Israeli army's assault on the Bureij camp in central Gaza as a "heinous crime" that resulted in the death of more than 10 individuals. The targeted school, operated by the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), served as a shelter for displaced Palestinians escaping violence in the north. Despite displaying a UNRWA flag and providing GPS coordinates to the Israeli military, the school was subjected to bomb attacks. Alarming contradictions arise as the Israeli military assured the safety of the central Gaza Strip, leaving residents deeply concerned about their actual security in the region.
Gaza Death Toll Surpasses 13,300, Including Over 5,600 Children: Government Media Office
November 20, 2023Ismail Thawabta, a spokesperson for the Gaza government's media office, reports a staggering death toll exceeding 13,300 individuals in the bombarded enclave. This includes the tragic loss of more than 5,600 children in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, as conveyed to reporters. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza faces challenges in regularly updating the official death toll due to the collapse of the healthcare system responsible for data collection.
Israeli Tanks Encircle Indonesian Hospital in Gaza Amidst Deadly Strikes
November 20, 2023Israeli tanks have surrounded the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza, where a loss of at least 12 lives has been reported following direct Israeli strikes.
African Union Chair Condemns Israeli Actions in Gaza, Citing Potential for Extremism
November 20, 2023Comoros President and current African Union Chair Azali Assoumani, visiting Berlin, called for increased diplomatic pressure on Israel to halt its ongoing operations in Gaza. Expressing condemnation for actions from Gaza on October 7, Assoumani stressed that the response was disproportionate and criticized measures causing harm to children, warning of the potential for extremism as a consequence. The African Union has previously denounced Israel's actions in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire.
Israeli Forces Accused of Beating Palestinian Detainee to Death: Prisoner Rights Groups
November 20, 2023Israeli forces reportedly raided a cell in Ketziot Prison in Israel's southern Naqab/Negev desert, where 10 Palestinian detainees, including Thaer Abu Asab, were physically assaulted on Saturday, as recounted by a witness. According to a statement from the Palestinian Prisoners Society and the PA Commission for Detainees, Abu Asab, a 38-year-old from Qalqilia in the occupied West Bank, was brutally beaten and subsequently died. The groups allege that the Israel Prison Service "assassinated" Abu Asab as part of a systemic pattern, noting five other detainee deaths since October 7.
Jordanian Field Hospital Enters Gaza Strip Amidst Humanitarian Crisis
November 20, 2023A significant development in the midst of the conflict, a Jordanian field hospital has entered the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing – the first such entry since the war began, as reported by a Palestinian official. The hospital, slated to be established in the southern city of Khan Younis, aims to address the dire medical situation in the region. Mohammed Zaqout, director-general of hospitals in Gaza, highlights the catastrophic conditions in southern hospitals, with hundreds of wounded individuals being admitted daily due to ongoing aggressive aerial and artillery strikes.
Israeli National Security Committee Considers Death Penalty for Palestinian Fighters
November 20, 2023The Israeli National Security Committee has discussed a bill proposing the introduction of the death penalty for Palestinian fighters. Proposed by the far-right party of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the bill is causing concern among families of those captured during the recent Hamas attack on October 7. Ben-Gvir argues that the death penalty for terrorists is crucial for the moral stance of the State of Israel. However, family members and advocacy groups, such as the Missing Families Forum, express deep worry, stating that such discussions endanger the lives of their loved ones without serving any significant public purpose.
'Victims Piling Up' Amid Chaos at Besieged Indonesian Hospital.
November 20, 2023Inside the Indonesian Hospital, an overwhelming state of panic among patients with victims piling up on the floors. The hospital is currently besieged by Israeli forces, turning anyone moving outside into a potential target. Extensive damage to the hospital's ceilings and other areas is evident in the footage. The facility, meant to provide medical assistance, has become a refuge for hundreds of displaced individuals seeking shelter from Israel's bombardment of the enclave.
Israeli Forces Target Kuwait School near Indonesian Hospital Shelter, Resulting in Casualties
November 20, 2023Israeli forces reportedly targeted the Kuwait School situated near the Indonesian Hospital, where thousands of displaced individuals sought refuge. The attack on this shelter has resulted in reported killings and injuries.
Medical Emergency Rescue Committee Urges Israel to Withdraw Troops from Indonesia Hospital in Gaza
November 20, 2023Dr. Sarbini Abdul Murad, head of the Indonesian charity MER-C, appeals to Israel to pull back its troops surrounding the Indonesia Hospital in Gaza. Condemning the reported inhumane attacks and bombardments near the hospital, Dr. Sarbini emphasizes the need to protect this vital medical facility. MER-C, which played a role in funding the hospital's construction, currently has three Indonesian medical volunteers on-site, but communication has been severed for nine days due to the Gaza Strip's connectivity issues. The committee recently organized a nationwide prayer vigil in Indonesia, urging for a ceasefire and an end to what they describe as a "genocide" in Gaza.
Israel Rejects Hamas Claims, Accuses Them of Killing Captive Noa Marciano in Gaza Hospital
November 20, 2023Israel has refuted Hamas's assertion that Noa Marciano, a 19-year-old army conscript, died in an Israeli airstrike, instead accusing Hamas of her murder inside Gaza's largest hospital, al-Shifa. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated on Sunday that "solid intelligence information" indicated Marciano was taken by Hamas to the hospital, where she was killed by a Hamas terrorist. Despite being injured in an Israeli strike, a pathology report, according to Hagari, determined that her injuries were not life-threatening. Hamas, which previously claimed she died in an airstrike, has not yet responded to these accusations.
Israeli forces now surrounding Gaza’s Indonesian Hospital
November 20, 2023Residents in proximity to the area informed us that Israeli forces are currently encircling the Indonesian Hospital and engaging in bombardment in the surrounding vicinity. According to eyewitness accounts, there are indications that the Israeli forces may intend to replicate the actions observed at al-Shifa Hospital, suggesting a potential attempt to breach the Indonesian Hospital. Simultaneously, it has been reported that the hospital's generator has been deactivated. This facility is crucial, as it is the sole institution endeavoring to provide medical services in Gaza City and the northern region of Gaza, alongside a smaller medical facility.
UN Human Rights Expert Condemns Attacks on Gaza Shelters, Urges Global Ceasefire Action
November 20, 2023Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, expresses deep concern over attacks on UN shelters in Gaza, terming them "painful to see." Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Albanese notes that these shelters primarily house vulnerable groups, such as women and children, who are now left without refuge. In the wake of casualties resulting from Israeli attacks on two UN-run schools where thousands sought shelter, Albanese urges governments to demand an immediate ceasefire and ensure its adherence.
Israeli Military Detains 38 Palestinians and Seizes Weapons in West Bank Raid
November 20, 2023The Israeli military has reported the detention of 38 Palestinians during a West Bank raid, as stated on its official website. The operation, focused on refugee camps in Nablus and Jenin, also involved the confiscation of weapons and the closure of alleged explosives production laboratories. According to the Israeli army, the mission uncovered ready-to-use explosives and conducted searches for weapons, including M16 rifles, cartridges, and various weapon parts. The statement did not provide details on the reasons behind the arrests, but it underscores the military's efforts to address security concerns in the region.
Alleged Hamas Tunnel at Al-Shifa Hospital:
Mounir el-Boursh, the Gaza health ministry director, dismissed Israel's claim of a Hamas tunnel at Al-Shifa Hospital, calling it a "pure lie."
Continued Israeli Strikes on Gaza:
Israel continued deadly strikes on Gaza, with over 13,000 people killed since the bombardment began on October 7. The official death toll in Hamas's attacks in Israel is approximately 1,200.
Journalists and Media Workers Casualties:
The Committee to Protect Journalists reported 48 journalists and media workers killed since the conflict started, with the majority being Palestinians.
Houthi Rebels Seize Israeli-Linked Cargo Ship:
Yemen's Houthi rebels seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Red Sea, taking two dozen crew members hostage, raising concerns about a wider escalation.
Evacuation of Premature Babies:
The World Health Organization evacuated 31 prematurely born babies from Al-Shifa Hospital to other facilities, with more than 200 patients still stuck at the hospital.
Negotiations for Hostage Release:
U.S., Israeli, and Hamas negotiators are reportedly closing in on a deal to release hostages taken during the Oct. 7 terrorist attack in exchange for a pause in fighting.
Al-Shifa Hospital's Status:
Al-Shifa Hospital, once Gaza's main hospital, is described as a "death zone" and has stopped functioning as a medical facility. The hospital has become a symbol of the plight of Palestinians under Israeli assault.
Tunnel under Al-Shifa Hospital:
Video released by the IDF and Shin Bet security agency shows a tunnel under Al-Shifa Hospital used by Hamas. The hospital staff denies the claims.
Public Opinion on Biden's Handling:
Public opinion in the U.S., indicates disapproval of President Biden's handling of foreign policy and the Israel-Hamas war, especially among Democrats.
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement:
Over 1.6 million people have been displaced in Gaza, and health officials report a death toll surpassing 13,000. Intense bombardment continues in southern Gaza.
War on Hospitals:
Recent Israeli land incursions into Gaza are described as a "war on hospitals," with military activities directed at or around medical facilities in Gaza City.
Evidence Disputes:
Israel faces pressure to provide evidence for its claim that Hamas uses Al-Shifa Hospital for combat purposes. CCTV footage was released, showing hostages allegedly brought into the hospital by Hamas.
International Access to Al-Shifa Hospital:
A World Health Organization-led team accessed Al-Shifa Hospital, describing it as a "death zone" with a mass grave and signs of shelling and gunfire.
Exposed Tunnel Shaft and Evacuation:
CNN visited an exposed tunnel shaft at Al-Shifa Hospital, part of the network Israel claims is beneath the hospital. Staff, patients, and Palestinians have fled, and newborn babies were evacuated in a perilous operation.
Optimism in Hostage Release Talks:
The U.S. and Qatar express optimism about negotiations surrounding hostages held by Hamas, with a potential deal freeing dozens of civilians within days.