WHO says Gaza’s main hospital no longer functioning

The Al-Shafia hospital in Gaza City “is not functioning as a hospital anymore” and is enduring “constant gunfire and bombings in the area have exacerbated the already critical circumstances,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says there are at least 2,300 people inside the hospital, according to an update shared by the WHO, and doctors fear the remaining 36 newborn babies needing intensive care treatment may die.

Israel says Hamas has a command centre under Al-Shifa – which Hamas denies, but insists it is not hitting the hospital during fighting. 

Elsewhere the US has carried out air strikes on two Iranian bases in Syria, following attacks against its military personnel in Syria and Iraq.

Israel began striking Gaza after the Hamas attacks on 7 October, which saw 1,200 people killed and more than 200 taken hostage. It’s believed the hostages are being held in tunnels under Gaza. 

More than 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza since, in retaliatory strikes, more than 4,500 of those killed were children.