Israel-Gaza latest: IDF confirms 'decline in forces' in southern Gaza - BBC News
Israel-Gaza latest: IDF confirms 'decline in forces' in southern Gaza - BBC News
(32 minutes later)
The World Health Organization (WHO) says Gaza's largest hospital al-Shifa has been reduced to ashes by Israel's latest siege, leaving what it describes as an "empty shell" with many bodies.
The head of WHO Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has been posting on social media and says a team, who were visiting the site on Friday, have seen "at least five dead bodies during the mission".
Even restoring minimal functionality in the short term seems implausible."
The WHO chief goes on to say an "in-depth assessment by a team of engineers is needed" to work out "if the remaining buildings are safe for future use".
"WHO and partners’ recent effort to support the revival of basic services at Al-Shifa are now lost, and people are once again deprived of access to lifesaving health care services," he adds.
Dr Tedros also reiterates international calls for a ceasefire and the protection of what is left of the medical facilities in Gaza.
Today marks exactly six months since the deadly 7 October Hamas attacks against Israel, in which about 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 250 others were taken hostage.
The attacks led to an Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.
If you are just joining us, here are the latest updates on the conflict as the grim half-year milestone is reached.
The Israel Defense Forces says the number of its forces in southern Gaza has "declined" as it regroups for the war's next stage
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is "one step away from victory" but insists there will be no ceasefire without the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas
The World Food Programme has repeated its warning that famine is imminent in northern Gaza, and says children are dying of hunger
Israel has launched air strikes on the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek, targeting what it says are Hezbollah infrastructure sites
Tens of thousands of Israelis have been protesting against Netanyahu, calling for a Gaza hostage deal and for elections now
Families have gathered at the memorial site for victims
killed during the Nova music festival in the 7 October Hamas attacks, near the
border with Gaza, in southern Israel
In a statement marking the anniversary, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he supports Israel’s right to defend itself but adds the UK has been “shocked” by the bloodshed of the war and the deaths of British aid workers
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