In a distressing development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City is no longer functioning as a hospital. The ongoing conflict in the area, marked by constant gunfire and bombings, has exacerbated the already critical circumstances, leaving the hospital on the brink.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, at least 2,300 people are still inside Al-Shifa. Doctors on the ground express grave concerns for the remaining 36 newborn babies in need of intensive care treatment, fearing for their lives amidst the chaos.

Israel has asserted that Hamas maintains a command center under Al-Shifa, an allegation vehemently denied by the Palestinian group. Despite the intense fighting, Israel insists it is not targeting the hospital directly.

In a separate development, the United States has conducted air strikes on two Iranian bases in Syria. The strikes follow attacks against U.S. military personnel in both Syria and Iraq.

The conflict traces back to October 7th when Hamas launched attacks, resulting in 1,200 casualties and over 200 people taken hostage. Since then, Israel has retaliated with strikes in Gaza, leading to a devastating toll on the Palestinian population. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with more than 4,500 of them being children.

The situation continues to unfold rapidly, with international concern growing over the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The WHO's declaration regarding Al-Shifa hospital underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire to address the escalating human cost of the conflict.