At least 90 people are trapped in a hospital building in Gaza City after Israeli shelling, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
According to the agency, more than 90 doctors and patients remain trapped in the “Hilu“ hospital in Gaza City, which was hit by several artillery shells. The hospital's pediatric ward is reportedly treating at least 12 premature babies, as well as cancer patients.
According to the Qatari television channel “Al Jazeera“, the “Hilu“ is currently surrounded by heavy equipment and Israeli army tanks, blocking entry and exit.
On September 16, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the start of an Israeli military offensive in Gaza City with the aim of finally defeating Hamas' military structure. Previously, the Israeli army had repeatedly warned the local population to leave the combat zones, including by dropping leaflets on the city. According to the Maan news agency, thousands of Palestinians have left Gaza, but at least 900,000 people remain in the besieged city.