Israel-Hamas war live updates: WHO 'deeply concerned' by order to evacuate hospital with 400 patients
Follow Yahoo's live coverage of the developing situation in the Middle East.
For the latest news on the conflict, follow our live coverage here
The World Health Organisation's (WHO) head has said reports that Israel ordered the evacuation of a hospital caring for more than 400 patients ahead of an anticipated bombing is "deeply concerning".
On Sunday the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said it had received the warning but would not comply.
WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "We reiterate - it’s impossible to evacuate hospitals full of patients without endangering their lives. Under International Humanitarian Law, healthcare must always be protected."
In a video statement, a PRCS spokesperson said many patients at Al-Quds hospital, in the Tel al-Hawa area of Gaza Strip, were in intensive care and couldn't be moved.
"Evacuating them means killing them. That’s why we refuse the evacuation order We call on the international community to intervene immediately to stop a humanitarian catastrophe that is unfolding," she said.
As well as patients, the hospital is also believed to be sheltering 12,000 displaced civilians, with the PRCS warning there have already been air raids 50 metres away from the facility.
An Israeli military spokesman declined to comment when asked about the charity's statement during a media briefing. Israel has previously said that Hamas militants embed themselves in civilian infrastructure - effectively using civilians as human shields - a claim the Islamist group denies.
Latest news:
Hospital braces for bombing as WHO says it is "impossible" to evacuate patients without endangering lives
Tanks and troops pictured advancing through Gaza as Israel begins "second stage" of attack
Thousands of civilians raid UN-run aid warehouses as supplies remain
Qatar warns ground attack will have 'catastrophic repercussions' on Middle East
Gaza's death toll has now passed 8,000, while more than 1,400 have been killed in Israel, respective authorities have said
Recommended reading:
Gazans frantically try to reconnect with loved ones as internet access returns (Sky News)
‘My children were saying: Let them just kill us’: British doctor trapped in Gaza with family calls for ceasefire (The Guardian)
Netanyahu and wife Sara decamp to luxury mansion amid growing public anger (The Telegraph)
Israel Hamas war: UN warns Gaza ground offensive will cause even 'more pain' as death toll climbs (Euronews)
