In a tragic development, Gaza's al-Shifa Hospital has become the epicenter of Israel's ground offensive, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 patients in the past two days. The hospital has been besieged by Israeli forces since Wednesday, sparking international concerns about the well-being of hundreds of patients and thousands of civilians seeking refuge.

The Palestinian health ministry reported that 24 patients lost their lives over the past 48 hours due to power cuts at the hospital, which had been non-functional since Saturday due to a fuel shortage. The lack of electricity caused vital medical equipment to malfunction, leading to these devastating outcomes.

Health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra raised alarm about the deteriorating situation, revealing that the deaths occurred across different departments of the hospital. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, director of al-Shifa Hospital, further confirmed that 22 patients succumbed overnight, painting a grim picture of the unfolding events.

Israel has alleged that Hamas fighters are using an underground tunnel complex beneath the hospital as a staging ground for attacks. However, both Hamas and hospital officials have consistently denied these claims. Israeli forces have conducted a meticulous search of the premises over the course of two days, claiming to have found weaponry and an alleged Hamas tunnel shaft.

Regrettably, the raid has severely compromised medical services in al-Shifa Hospital, a lifeline for the 2,300 patients, staff, and displaced Palestinians who were seeking shelter there. The UN estimated that numerous lives were at risk before Israeli troops moved in.

The hospital staff reported that even newborns have fallen victim to the dire circumstances. A premature baby was the first casualty since Israeli forces entered the premises, adding to the three deaths that occurred earlier when the hospital was surrounded.

Muhammad Abu Salmiya painted a grim picture of the unfolding crisis, referring to the medical compound as a "big prison" and a "mass grave" for all those inside. The hospital now faces a critical shortage of power, food, and water, while lives are being lost with each passing minute.

The Israeli siege of Gaza, now entering its seventh week, has severely restricted supplies of essential resources such as food, water, electricity, and fuel to the 2.3 million residents of the territory. Aid agencies have been warning of an impending humanitarian crisis.

In response to international pressure, Israel has agreed to a US request to allow two fuel trucks per day into Gaza. However, this falls significantly short of what the UN deems necessary for lifesaving functions, including fueling water systems, hospitals, bakeries, and aid delivery trucks.

The dire situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, with over 1.5 million people internally displaced and the blockade exacerbating the risk of starvation. The UN has warned that more than half of Gaza's hospitals are no longer operational due to combat, damage, or shortages, with al-Shifa Hospital bearing the brunt of the recent raid.

As conditions worsen, more than 70 percent of the population in south Gaza now lack access to clean water, leading to the flow of raw sewage on the streets. The international community faces mounting pressure to act swiftly and provide urgent assistance to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.