Hamas says 4 patients died after power cut at Khan Younis hospital being searched by IDF

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says four patients in the intensive care unit died early this morning because electricity was cut, stopping oxygen supplies for them.

The ministry had earlier warned that six patients in the ICU and three infants in incubators were in danger because fuel for generators was on the verge of running out.

“The Israeli occupation is responsible for the lives of patients and staff as the compound now is under its full control,” the ministry says.

There was no immediate comment from the IDF.

Israeli troops, tanks and snipers have surrounded Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis for at least a week and soldiers moved into the hospital yesterday after the military said it had “credible intelligence” that Hamas had held hostages there and that the hostages’ remains might still be inside. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesperson, said forces were conducting a “precise and limited” operation there and would not forcibly evacuate medics or patients.

Later Thursday, Hagari said troops were still searching the hospital. He said dozens of terrorists were arrested from the hospital grounds, including three who participated in the Oct. 7 attack. He also said troops found grenades and mortar shells, and that Israeli radar determined that terrorists fired mortars from the hospital grounds a month ago.

A released hostage told The Associated Press last month that she and over two dozen other captives had been held in Nasser Hospital.