Gaza - September 02, 2024

Storyline:
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip announced on Sunday the refurbishment of the emergency department at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, marking the initial phase of the enclave's effort to rebuild its medical system.

It had been out of service since the Israeli bombardments destroyed it in March this year.

The newly opened emergency department in the hospital is considered the largest in the Gaza Strip. It is equipped with 70 beds and an operating room, in addition to intensive care beds. The department was funded by international charitable organizations in order to strengthen the health sector in the stricken city.

Al-Shifa Hospital was reduced to rubble, and the cardiology and specialized surgery departments were destroyed. At least 115 beds in the emergency department were burned during the last Israeli invasion in March.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health has announced that this marks the initial phase in the reconstruction of its health care infrastructure following wartime destruction. More hospitals will reopen following enhancements and refurbishments.

The Israeli army launched systematic campaigns against the hospitals in the Gaza Strip during the war, claiming that they were being used by Hamas.

The World Health Organization described the destruction of Al-Shifa Hospital in March as "removing the heart of the health system" from the Strip.

Al-Shifa Complex is the backbone of the Palestinian health system in Gaza. Its rehabilitation has raised hopes among Palestinians that it will be the starting point for the reconstruction of the rest of the city, even if only partially.

Shotlist:
Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Sept 2, 2024:
1. Al-Shifa Hospital surroundings;
2. Various of medical facilities in ward;
3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Moatasem Salah, head, Health Emergency Committee:
"We have reopened the first building in the destroyed Al-Shifa Medical Complex, where the outpatient department has been modified to become a reception and an emergency department, serving Gaza City and the north."
4. Various of medical facilities in ward
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Munir Al-Barsh, director general, Palestinian Ministry of Health (partially overlaid with shot 6):
"We have a massive plan of 20 projects to rehabilitate the health system. There are 100 beds in the maternity building that are currently being equipped with operating rooms, in addition to [repair and rehabilitation] projects for the Eye Hospital and Al-Rantisi Hospital, in order to reactivate the healthcare system in Gaza City and the north."
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
6. Ward interior;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
7. Hospital interior, staff;
Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Sept 1, 2024:
8. Various of hospital undergoing repairs;
FILE: Gaza Strip - June 24, 2024:
9. Damaged Al-Shifa Hospital exterior;
10. Interior of damaged building.

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