Southern Gaza Hospital Faces Shortages of Anesthesia and Blood, Says Hamas Health Ministry

The Hamas-run Ministry of Health in southern Gaza reported on Saturday that Nasser Hospital is experiencing critical shortages of blood, anesthesia, and other essential medications. Dr. Ashraf Al-Qudra, a spokesperson for the ministry, described the blood shortage as severe and hazardous.

Nasser Hospital, located in Khan Younis, is the primary healthcare facility in the area, which has been a focal point in the recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) stated that the hospital and other medical facilities in Khan Younis have been under intense pressure due to escalated military operations by the Israeli forces.

The Israeli military has stated that Hamas militants were operating from within the Al-Amal and Nasser hospitals, though CNN has not independently verified these claims.

In response to the situation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that they are conducting targeted operations against Hamas while attempting to maintain communication with hospital directors in Khan Younis to keep the hospitals functional. However, the PRCS countered on Saturday, stating that the IDF has not been in communication with the hospital’s administration.

The United Nations reported on Thursday that less than half of the 36 hospitals in Gaza are currently partially operational.