The Al-Imdaad Foundation (AIF) has been urged to open its female only hospital in Gaza to all casualties, including males, as emergency medics struggle to keep up with the influx of patients needing medical care. More than 100 Palestinians have been killed in four days of deadly air strikes by the Israel military. By Friday afternoon, about 680 civilians had been injured.

Speaking to VOC News, AIF spokesperson Qari Ziyaad Patel said the request to open the hospital to all casualties came from the head of administration at the hospital. Medical staff are grappling with the sharp increase in the number of Palestinians injured in the violence. Hospitals in Gaza are unable to assist Palestinians injured in the bomb explosions.

The foundation’s doctors, nurses, ambulances and team members are on standby to help Palestinians in the hour of need. However, with the current increase in casualties, the well stocked hospital now opens its doors to everyone, including men.

“Listening to eye witness reports from Gaza is extremely horrific,” Patel said.

AIF opened the hospital in 2003 and offered to make it a space where Palestinian women, most of them in hijab, can feel comfortable and at ease. However, it also has other extensive humanitarian projects in Gaza.

“We have maintained that the hospital is well-equiped to serve the people of Gaza and so, we can proudly open the doors of the hospital and confidently assist the many unfortunate casualties,” Patel added.

Patel thanked local donors for their generous contributions to the people of Palestine and called on Muslim South Africans to show their support.

For contributions to the worthy cause, visit the website www.alimdaad.com for details on the organisations account or contact its offices at 036 352 1157 / 011 496 2754. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)