The Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) NGO has decried Israel's raid on the Kamal Adwan Hospital on Tuesday, when forces kidnapped 70 medical staff to an undisclosed location. The hospital, according to its staff, was besieged for several days before the incursion at midday yesterday.
"MAP is gravely concerned for their welfare, as well as patients, staff and displaced people reportedly trapped inside without electricity, water or food," the NGO stressed in an official statement.
65 patients – including 12 children in intensive care and six babies in incubators – reportedly remain inside the hospital, as well as 45 medical staff. As of Tuesday, 3,000 displaced people were also sheltering at the hospital.
MAP said it was urging for their protection, calling attacks on healthcare "a potential serious violations of international law for which there must be accountability".
Meanwhile, Israel's shelling of the Gaza Strip continued for a 68th consecutive day on Wednesday, where the death toll has now increased to 18,608, according to the health ministry.
Gaza's displaced are also reeling from bad weather conditions, which have worsened conditions in make-shift camps and tents in several locations across the Strip, amid heavy rain and downpour.
Rain, dampness and mud could potentially aggravate the risk of the spread of diseases among those displaced and seeking shelter, which comes as the Health Ministry in Gaza said it had run out of vaccines for children.