Medical Aid for Palestinians urges protection for trapped civilians at al-Shifa hospital

Medical Aid for Palestinians (Map) is urgently requesting protection for hundreds of healthcare workers, patients, and displaced civilians - including two critically ill children- who are trapped inside Gaza’s al-Shifa hospital due to the Israeli military’s invasion and five-day blockade.

Trapped inside are two siblings, 13-year-old Rafif Doughnosh and 15-year-old Rafiq Doughnosh, who sustained severe injuries from an Israeli military air strike. The attack killed their mother and ten other family members. Both children underwent amputations.

Since the start of the military operation in the area of al-Shifa hospital, the Israeli military stated that it has killed about 150 Palestinians and detained hundreds of individuals, including medical personnel and those displaced. Inside the hospital, hundreds of patients, medical staff, and displaced persons are trapped with scarce access to food and water.

According to Map, the children are without water, haven’t eaten for days, and are already suffering from malnutrition. They urgently require medical attention, including surgical procedures. The Israeli military is blocking any medical or humanitarian missions from accessing al-Shifa hospital and has directed the children’s uncle, Mahmoud, who has been looking after them, to vacate the hospital.

“I was forced to leave my Rafif and Rafiq alone, with severe injuries and no medical care, under Israeli military siege. I cannot explain how terrified I am,” Mahmoud said.