Israel Continues Its Assault, With Heavy Fighting Near Gaza's Largest Hospital — Al Shifa: Five Highlights

Israeli airstrikes relentlessly pounded Gaza City overnight and continued into Sunday.

Ground forces engaged in battles with Hamas militants near the largest hospital — Al Shifa — in the territory. Hamas' health ministry officials reported that thousands of medics, patients, and displaced people are trapped with no electricity and diminishing supplies.

In a televised address on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected international calls for a cease-fire unless it includes the release of nearly 240 hostages captured by Hamas on 7 October. Netanyahu stated that Israel is bringing its 'full force' to the conflict.

Israel has vowed to end Hamas' 16-year rule in Gaza and dismantle its military capabilities, placing blame on militants for the toll on the 2.3 million Palestinians in the besieged territory.

Under increasing international pressure, including from the United States, a 57-nation gathering in Saudi Arabia, and a massive pro-Palestinian protest in London, called for an end to the war.

Heavy Fighting Near Al Shifa Hospital

Gaza City residents reported intense airstrikes and shelling, particularly around Al Shifa Hospital.

Al Shifa is the largest hospital in Gaza. The hospital, facing a critical shortage of electricity and resources, is housing thousands of individuals, including patients and medical personnel.

Israel has accused Hamas of concealing a command post below the hospital, an allegation denied by Hamas and hospital staff.

Al Shifa, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) is without any fuel, electricity, water, and medical supplies.

WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, "The world cannot stand silent while hospitals, which should be safe havens, are transformed into scenes of death, devastation, and despair."

He added, "the WHO has managed to get in touch with health professionals at the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza...the hospital is not functioning as a hospital anymore."

Netanyahu Rejects US Postwar Vision

Netanyahu outlined Israel's postwar plans for Gaza, differing significantly from the US' vision.

He advocated for Gaza's demilitarisation, with Israel retaining security control and the ability to enter and exit Gaza freely.

Netanyahu rejected the idea of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, of the Palestinian Authority controlling both Gaza and the West Bank.

Evacuation Windows For Aid Distribution To Civilians But No Pauses

The US sought temporary pauses for aid distribution in Gaza, but Israel agreed only to brief daily periods for civilians to flee the northern combat zone. The war has displaced over two-thirds of Gaza's population, causing a dire humanitarian situation.

Casualties and Displacement

Over 11,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed. The war displaced more than two-thirds of Gaza's population.

Meanwhile, 46 Israeli soldiers have died, and Palestinians continue firing rockets into Israel. Hamas still holds 239 captives, and thousands of Israelis have evacuated from communities near Gaza and the northern border with Lebanon.

The conflict has prompted global concerns, with calls for immediate de-escalation and humanitarian assistance to those affected.