In the midst of escalating hostilities in the southern Gaza Strip, Israeli troops forced the evacuation of al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). The evacuation, which occurred on Monday, saw 27 staff members, six patients, and others, including the bodies of two recently killed individuals, being moved from the facility.

The PRCS reported that those evacuated were trapped in ambulances for over 20 hours, highlighting the challenges faced during the evacuation process. Israel's military justified its actions, stating that its intelligence indicated the use of civilian infrastructure by "terrorists" in the area.

The situation in Khan Younis remains tense, with reports of Israeli troops surrounding both al-Amal hospital and the nearby Nasser hospital over the weekend. The ongoing conflict has also led to continued fighting around al-Shifa hospital in northern Gaza.

Israel's military claims to have killed 175 "terrorists" and detained around 500 suspects linked to Hamas or Islamic Jihad in a raid that began eight days ago. The military alleges that hospitals have been used as bases by Hamas, a claim denied by the group.

The PRCS detailed the events leading up to the evacuation, stating that Israeli troops fired smoke bombs around the hospital and engaged in extensive excavation and infrastructure destruction in the surrounding area. The organization also reported casualties among its staff, including one killed by Israeli gunfire.

Despite efforts by medical personnel to evacuate patients and staff, they encountered difficulties due to obstacles created by the Israeli forces. Eventually, the remaining staff and wounded individuals spent hours trapped inside ambulances before being forced to return to al-Amal hospital, which had been closed off by Israeli troops.

The United Nations has expressed concern over the closure of al-Amal hospital, emphasizing the need for the international community to provide necessary protection for medical facilities and personnel. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue to conduct operations in the area, claiming to have located weapons and engaged with and eliminated "terrorists."

The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began after Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in over 32,400 casualties in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry. As tensions persist, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.