Only immobile patients and a few medical staff needed them have stayed back in Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital after Israel gave a one-hour ultimatum for every person, including patients, to evacuate. Speaking to Al Jazeera from al-Shifa, Director Mohammed Abu Salmiya said only he and a few others, including staff and patients, were left.
“Many of those in critical conditions including newborns and kidney patients will die imminently if they are not evacuated,” Salmiya said.
The Israeli army has denied it ordered the evacuation, claiming instead that it responded to a request by the hospital’s director to let those wishing to leave to take a secure route out.
It added that it notified medics in the hospital that they were ready to facilitate the transfer of patients.
Evacuees were ordered to leave while waving a white handkerchief and walk in a single-file line, health officials at Al-Shifa said.
About 450 patients were evacuated, while about 120 patients were left behind with five doctors, including the director.
the Israeli army raided al-Shifa Hospital after surrounding it for several days, targeting its compounds and their immediate surroundings. According to doctors inside, firing occasionally, using snipers.
Dozens have died due to the siege
