International Red Cross says Gaza's functioning hospitals 'on verge of collapse'

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Saturday that Gaza's "still functioning hospitals are on the verge of collapse" amid a lack of electricity and medical supplies.

"The immediate imperative must be to save lives and preserve humanity, including by ensuring hospitals can operate in safety," ICRC said in a statement.

It said its medical team that arrived Friday in Gaza is not enough to address the "tragedy unfolding."

ICRC reiterated that it continues dialogue with relevant parties "to find solutions to the most pressing humanitarian issues, such as protecting civilians and helping the wounded."

The Gaza-based Health Ministry announced Tuesday that the health care system at hospitals in Gaza had "totally collapsed."

It said 12 hospitals and 32 health care centers were forced out of service due to Israeli bombing or lack of fuel and medical supplies.

Gaza has been under relentless Israeli airstrikes since a surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

The Palestinian group had initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Israel responded with an uninterrupted campaign of air raids, which intensified late Friday, along with ground activities amid a complete blackout of telecommunications and internet networks.

At least 7,703 Palestinians, including 3,595 children, have been killed in the Israeli attacks, while the death toll in Israel stands at more than 1,400.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents are also grappling with shortages of food, water and medicine due to Israel’s blockade of the enclave. Only a few aid trucks have crossed into Gaza since the opening of the Rafah crossing point last weekend.