TEL AVIV - Evacuation efforts at some of Gaza's major hospitals seem to be failing despite promises made by Israeli forces to allow the wounded and sick to be moved south. Doctors at Al-Shifa hospital, Gaza's largest hospital, reported that they were not aware of anyone being evacuated from the facility.

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, raised concerns that all aid operations in Gaza will soon come to a halt due to the lack of fuel in the besieged enclave.

Dr. Nidal Abu Hadrus, a neurosurgeon at Al-Shifa hospital, revealed that it was impossible for people to leave amidst the sounds of bombing and shooting outside. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that there have been "intense battles" around the hospital.

Dr. Hadrus pleaded for assistance, stating, "It is not safe to move out. It is not safe to stay. We don't know what to do. Please help us." Hospital staff have reached out to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to facilitate the evacuation process.

A spokesperson for the ICRC, Alyona Synenko, acknowledged that discussions were underway, but she could not provide specific details regarding the evacuation efforts. Synenko emphasized that evacuating a hospital under such circumstances is incredibly risky and complex, especially when people are on life support.

Dr. Marwan Abusada, head of international cooperation at the Health Ministry at Al-Shifa hospital, echoed concerns of safety, stating that it was not safe for anyone to move in or out of the facility.

Despite the IDF's claim of opening evacuation corridors from Al-Shifa and two other hospitals in Gaza City, Al-Rantisi and Al-Nasr, it is uncertain whether any evacuation has taken place. The IDF reported that Al-Rantisi and Al-Nasr hospitals had been evacuated to the best of their knowledge.

Israel's military has accused Hamas of using the basement of Al-Rantisi hospital to keep hostages following an attack on October 7. A video released by the IDF displayed alleged evidence inside the hospital, including explosives, hand grenades, and RPGs. The authenticity of the video and claims made by the IDF have not been independently verified.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 600 patients remained at Al-Shifa hospital on Monday.

Amidst the chaos, Al-Quds Hospital also faced a desperate situation, as a planned evacuation convoy was forced to turn back due to the continuous bombardment in the area. The Palestine Red Crescent Society confirmed that there were no armed individuals inside the hospital, contradicting the IDF's claims.

The escalating situation has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of patients, medical staff, and the ability to provide essential aid in Gaza. The international community is closely watching as efforts to evacuate hospitals and maintain essential services become increasingly challenging.

As the situation intensifies, urgent action is needed to protect innocent lives and ensure the delivery of vital humanitarian aid in Gaza.