The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) tells CNN it cannot confirm any evacuations from Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces have repeatedly said that an evacuation corridor has been opened on the eastern side of the hospital, where thousands of displaced people are sheltering along with staff and patients in increasingly dire circumstances.
“We are in touch with the parties and with the Ministry of Health but can’t confirm any evacuation operation at this point,” ICRC spokesperson Ala'a Nayel told CNN. Hamas controls the health ministry in Gaza.
“Evacuations must be carried out in a safe manner without putting civilians at risk. Regardless of evacuations, civilians are protected by international humanitarian law even if they remain to stay; we are constantly reminding the parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law,” Nayel added.
“We are urgently calling for the respect and protection of medical facilities, patients, and healthcare workers in Gaza. This protection is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative to preserve human life in these terrible times.”
On Saturday, the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza said the hospital was under "complete siege," which Israel has denied. Officials with Doctors Without Borders also said it was impossible for staff and patients to evacuate Saturday.