2 Gaza hospitals forced to stop operations as Israeli offensive escalates: Health ministry

The Gaza health ministry said two Gaza City hospitals have been taken out of service due to the escalation of Israel's ground offensive and damage caused by continued Israeli bombing, as tanks advanced deeper into the territory.

The ministry said in a statement that Al-Rantissi Children's Hospital had been badly damaged in an Israeli bombardment a few days ago. At the same time, it reported Israeli attacks in the vicinity of the nearby Eye Hospital, which forced the suspension of services there, too. "The occupation deliberately and systematically targets the healthcare system in the Gaza governorate...," it said. "None of the facilities or hospitals have safe access routes that allow patients and the wounded to reach them," the ministry added. There was no immediate Israeli military comment.

(This is a Reuters story)