Gaza Strip - June 24, 2024

Storyline:
Work is underway to rehabilitate several departments of the largest hospital in Gaza, Al-Shifa Hospital, to meet the urgent need to provide medical services in the Gaza Strip after the severe damage to medical facilities during the Hamas-Israeli conflict.

Efforts are being made to make limited repairs for some departments of the Al-Shifa Hospital. However, difficulties in obtaining construction materials due to border closures and Israeli restrictions on border entry points into Gaza are slowing down the process.

Not far from the Al-Shifa Hospital, the rehabilitation of the 'Friends of the Patient' clinic complex in Gaza City has also begun. The Israeli military stormed and burned it, causing it to be out of service and depriving residents of receiving health services.

The children's department of the hospital is one of the most vital units which thousands of children depend on to receive medical services, especially in light of the miserable conditions that residents are living in.

In March, the Israeli army carried out a 14-day military operation against the Al-Shifa Medical Complex, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries, hundreds of arrests, and widespread destruction of the hospital and adjacent residential areas.

Although the restoration process for some medical facilities is very limited, it represents a glimmer of hope for the Palestinians to launch a full rebuilding process for the Gaza Strip if a comprehensive ceasefire is achieved between Hamas and Israel.

Shotlist:
Gaza Strip - June 24, 2024:
1. Various of damaged Al-Shifa Hospital buildings, bulldozer working;
2. Various of staff tuning up equipment in repaired intensive care room;
3. Various of interior of building;
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Dr. Saeed, medical director, Al-Shifa Hospital (full name not given):
"This hospital was attacked by (soldiers). Many buildings were partially damaged. After they withdrew from the region, we started rehabilitation and rebuild what we (could) in order to give the services as possible as we can.";
5. Various of rehabilitation process for 'Friends of the Patient' clinic complex, damaged surgery room;
6. Various of ward, mother, infant;
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Rozan Khalaf, Palestinian mother:
"My child's health condition was very difficult and we almost lost him. This children's department of the Patient's Friends Hospital was a lifeline for us. My son was suffering from malnutrition and he received the necessary treatment here in the hospital. His health condition is better now.";
FILE: Gaza Strip - April 1, 2024
8. Various of damaged Al-Shifa Hospital buildings, people gathering by buildings;
FILE: Gaza Strip - 2024
9. Destroyed buildings.

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