Packed Gaza hospitals warn thousands could die

Facilities low on fuel and basic supplies even as ground offensive looms

Medics in Gaza warned Sunday that thousands could die as hospitals packed with wounded people run desperately low on fuel and basic supplies. Palestinians in the beseiged coastal enclave struggled to find food, water and safety ahead of an expected Israeli ground offensive in the war sparked by Hamas’ deadly attack last week.

Israeli forces, supported by a growing deployment of US warships in the region, positioned themselves along Gaza’s border and drilled for what Israel said would be a broad campaign to dismantle the militant group. A week of blistering airstrikes have demolished entire neighborhoods but failed to stem militant rocket fire into Israel.

Israeli bombardment

Hospitals are expected to run out of generator fuel within two days, according to the UN, which said that that would endanger the lives of thousands of patients. Gaza’s sole power plant shut down for lack of fuel after Israel completely sealed off the 40-km-long (25-mile-long) territory following the Hamas attack. 

1,300
Approx no of Israelis killed so far

Displaced Palestinians queue for bread. Pics/AP

Iranian leader meets Hamas leader, agrees on cooperation

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian met Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday night in Qatar and agreed to cooperate for “fully achieving” the goals of Hamas and Palestinian people.

This was Haniyeh’s first official meeting with Iranian officials since Hamas’s assault. During the meeting, the two agreed to “continue cooperation to fully achieve the goals of Hamas and the Palestinian people,” as per media reports.

Palestinian deaths soar

The Gaza Health Ministry says 2,329 Palestinians have been killed, making this the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for Palestinians. The death toll on Sunday surpassed that of the third war. 

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