WHO loses contact with al-Shifa hospital

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said it has lost communication with its contacts at al-Shifa hospital, with the health organisation fearing that they have joined the tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza.

"WHO has grave concerns for the safety of the health workers, hundreds of sick and injured patients, including babies on life support and displaced people who remain inside the hospital," the organisation said.

"Patients seeking health care should never be exposed to fear, and health workers who have taken an oath to treat them should never be forced to risk their own lives to provide care."

WHO added that there have been reports that some people who fled the hospital have "been shot at, wounded and even killed".