Gaza, November 10, 2023 - Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing southern Gaza, seeking safety after an attack on Al Shifa hospital which Palestinian officials claim was carried out by Israeli forces. The attack resulted in the death of one person and caused injuries to those seeking shelter at the hospital.

Ayman Al-Masri, who had sought refuge at Al Shifa hospital with his mother and sister, recounted the chaotic scene as the attack unfolded, saying, "They struck Shifa today... Everyone started to run to the streets and we came here walking." Masri and others were seen making their way south, carrying belongings, mattresses, and luggage, while some waved white flags.

Israeli authorities have yet to comment on the incident, but they have repeatedly stated that they do not target civilians and make efforts to avoid harm to innocent people. Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals, including Al Shifa, as hiding spots for command centers and tunnels. Hamas, however, has denied these allegations.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has seen intensified violence in recent weeks. Israel has been conducting airstrikes, naval bombardments, and ground operations in response to Hamas militants breaching the enclave's border fence on October 7. Israeli reports claim that 1,400 people were killed and approximately 240 were abducted during the initial attack.

Palestinian officials, on the other hand, have reported that over 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of Israel's military campaign. The surge in violence has put immense strain on Gaza's hospitals, which are facing shortages of essential medical supplies, clean water, and fuel to power generators.

One woman, who fled Al Shifa hospital on Friday, revealed that she was receiving treatment in the maternity department when the attack occurred. "We were on the fifth floor because we were wounded so we were staying there, and then we found bombs falling on us," she said. "They made us run to the streets."

Disturbing videos shared on social media, verified by Reuters, showed the aftermath of the attack near Al Shifa's outpatient department. The footage captured chaotic scenes with displaced people, including a young girl covered in blood, expressing anguish and distress. Personal belongings, including clothing and mattresses, were strewn across the area, and the floor was stained with blood.

The location shown in the videos was confirmed by the presence of the girl in a purple T-shirt, who was also seen at the entrance of the hospital in other footage. The hospital's entrance matched the provided file imagery, and the source of the videos has previously uploaded content from Al Shifa.