Hospitals in Khan Younis at risk of collapse, running out of oxygen, Gaza medics warn

Medical facilities are at risk of collapse in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, the Hamas-run health ministry warns as fighting rages inside and around the city.

Palestinian medics and residents allege that Israel continues to bomb areas around the two main hospitals in Khan Younis, hindering efforts by rescue teams to respond to desperate calls from people caught in the crossfire.

“There is a complete failure of the healthcare system at Nasser and Al-Amal hospitals,” says a health ministry spokesman.

Israel says it is taking steps to keep hospitals running and minimize civilian casualties.

It accuses Hamas of operating in densely populated areas, including around hospitals, and using civilians as human shields and has released photos and videos supporting this allegation, which the Islamist group denies.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society says in a statement that medical teams at Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis are unable to perform surgeries because oxygen supplies were depleted.