Gaza hospital director calls for safe passage for injured people

The director of hospitals in Gaza said Monday that 32 wounded people have died at Shifa hospital, the territory's largest, including seven patients in the Intensive care unit.

Mohammed Zaqout said 36 newborn babies have not been evacuated from the hospital yet and there has been no coordination on moving them. He said there is no place to take patients, and called for the opening of a “safe passage” to take them to Egypt for treatment.

Responding to Israeli statements that the hospital had rejected an offer of fuel, Zaqout said the Israeli military offered 300 liters (79 gallons) — “not enough to keep the hospital running for an hour.” He said the hospital needs 8,000 liters (2,110 gallons) of fuel a day.

Zaqout said Israel's military shelled the oxygen department at Shifa and the hospital is now relying on its remaining oxygen bottles.

He said 10 hospitals remain in service in Gaza and they will not be able to continue operating if fuel is not brought in.