Live Updates: Hamas denies Israeli claims it was present in Gaza hospital

Saturday, December 28, 2024

06:34 GMT — Hamas denies Israeli claims it was present in Gaza hospital

The Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, has denied Israeli claims about the presence of its members inside the hospital that was attacked by Israeli army in the northern besieged Gaza.

"We categorically deny the presence of the resistance fighters in the hospital, which was open to everyone, including international and UN agencies," Hamas said in a statement.

The group said the Israeli claims aim "to justify the heinous crime committed by the occupation army by evacuating and burning all sections of the hospital as part of its plan of genocide and forced displacement."

05:28 GMT — Israeli attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital put 'last major health facility' in northern Gaza out of service: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that the Israeli attack on the Kamal Adwan Hospital put "the last major health facility" in northern besieged Gaza out of service, calling an end to "this horror."

Initial reports indicate that some key departments were severely burned and destroyed during the attack, while 60 health workers and 25 patients in critical condition, including those on ventilators, reportedly remain at the hospital, it said on X.

The UN agency said patients in moderate to severe conditions were forced to evacuate to the destroyed and non-functional Indonesian Hospital. "WHO is deeply concerned for their safety," it said.

04:24 GMT — Stalemate in prisoner swap negotiations strengthens Israeli opposition: Poll

A public opinion poll in Israel said the current stalemate in negotiations to end the carnage in Gaza has slightly strengthened the country's opposition.

This week's Maariv newspaper poll said amid the deadlock in talks for a hostage-prisoner swap and ceasefire in the enclave, the opposition could gain one more seat compared to the previous poll, reaching a majority of 62 seats.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc, meanwhile, could secure 48 seats and Arab parties 10 seats if elections are held today.

For our live updates from Friday, December 27, 2024, click here.