Wounded boy being carried into Shifa hospital.

“The death toll in the Gaza Strip continues to rise as Israeli ground forces push deeper into the Palestinian territory, which is controlled by the Islamist militant group Hamas. Witnesses said Israeli infantry and tanks backed by aircraft were operating on the outskirts of Gaza City. Heavy fighting was also reported outside the northern towns of Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanun and Jabaliya. At least 30 people have been killed and 130 wounded, since Israeli forces crossed the border less than 24 hours ago. Israel says 30 of its soldiers have been wounded, two of them seriously.”

Deutsch Welle

“The casualties at Shifa on Sunday — 18 dead, hospital officials said, among a reported 30 around Gaza — were women, children and men who had been with children. One surgeon said that he had performed five amputations.

“I don’t know what kind of weapons Israel is using,” said a nurse, Ziad Abd al Jawwad, 41, who had been working 24 hours without a break. “There is so much amputation.”

“It’s so hard when you do it to women,” he said, adding grimly that even the devastating 1967 war here was over in six days.

For nine days now, doctors have been battling to keep Shifa running under the most adverse circumstances. Sanitation workers constantly mop up blood while Hamas security officers stand guard. But scant resources are being stretched to a breaking point, and a terrible stench is in the air.

Dr. Mads Gilbert, a Norwegian who was allowed into Gaza last week to give emergency medical aid, and who has worked in many conflict zones, said the situation was the worst he had seen. ”

Gaza Hospital Fills with Civilians