family visit visa saudi arabia latest news

Family Visit Request   //

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  Service Description

  service beneficiaries,   conditions and requirements.

• Complete the online form via  Visa services platform ​  and stamp it electronically and authenticate it from the Chamber of Commerce or from the employer.
• Enter all the data in Arabic except if​ the visitors are not from Arab nationalities, in that case their names should match their passports.
• For residents, they should have valid for residents.
• The visitors should be of first degree relatives
• Rresidents should have a work Iqamah not relative Iqamah.

We inform you that the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Portal uses the cookies to meet basic security requirements and to ensure that the Portal works properly!

The Complete Guide to the NEW Saudi Family Visit Visa

Recently, I invited my father to visit us in Saudi Arabia, but after asking people about it, I realized that the procedure to obtain a Family Visit Visa has changed so much that I had little idea how to apply for it. So, I decided to some research and went to speak to the experts at the local Saudi passport office in order to get acquainted.

What is a Saudi Family Visit Visa? A visit visa is intended for immediate family members based outside Saudi Arabia allowing them to visit their loved ones who are normally resident in the kingdom. Two visit visa options are available; Single entry or Multiple entry. The first is for up to 30 days ONLY and is not renewable. The second is for up to 90 days ONLY. Then, the family visitor must leave and can reenter the kingdom for a further 3 months, up to 4 times.

The Saudi visa application system was recently upgraded and streamlined. This means that all visas including the Family Visit Visa are now processed online, from start to finish. 

The Application Process- 6 Main Steps

The following shows the 6 main steps required to obtain the Family Visit Visa . These 6 steps are explained in a bit more detail in the article:

Step 2. Iqama Holder Takes the Form to Sponsor to Sign and Stamp and if needed to the local Chamber of Commerce

Step 5. Visitor Submits Passport & Documents To Local Agency Dealing With Saudi Embassy

Step 6. Visitor Collects Passport/Documents plus Issued Family Visit Visa From the Saudi Embassy             

How much does a Saudi Family Visit Visa cost?

The application process for the Family Visit Visa involves both:

• Sponsor -The Iqama Holder Normally Resident In Saudi Arabia. 
• The Visiting Family Membe r ( s )- Normally Resident In The Home Country. 

The Iqama holder’s dependents cannot themselves apply for a visit visa application using their own Iqamas.  

What Are The Conditions For Use Of The Family Visit Visa?

NOTE : With a Single Entry Family Visit Visa, the visitor (s) can stay for up to 30 days in Saudi Arabia, but it must be used WITHIN 3 months of the issue date in the passport.

Note: For a Multiple Family Visit Visa, the visitor (s) can come and go to Saudi Arabia every three months up to 1 year. Family visitors must leave the kingdom on or before 3 months expires. It should be used WITHIN 1 year of the issue date in the passport.

Who is Eligible for the Family Visit Visa? 

The following are the eligible categories: 

First Line Relatives

• Wife/Husband
• Father/Mother
• Father in Law/Mother in Law
• Orphans (discretionary)
• Brothers/Sisters of foreign wives/husbands married to Saudis

Who is NOT eligible for a Family Visit Visa?

The following categories are not eligible for a Family Visit Visa. 

Distant Relatives

• Aunts/Uncles etc
• Nieces/Nephews
• Grandparents

The Resident Iqama Holder Applies For Family Visit Visa at MOFA Online and Prints a Completed Form

Documents required BEFORE applying:

• Resident Iqama Holder’s Valid Residency Permit i.e. the Iqama
• The Iqama With At least 4 month’s Validity 
• Copy of The Applicant (s) Passport-i.e. Visiting Family Member (s)
• Valid Profession of Iqama Holder

The application procedure for the family visit visa begins at the gateway to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) portal. Click here for the MOFA homepage.

• First, choose and click on E-Services
• Click on Residents
• Select Family Visit Visa
• Read the Service Details
• Click on Start The Service
• Choose Individuals
• Then, select Resident 
• Click I Agree if you agree to visa terms and conditions
• Enter Iqama Holder’s Residency Number (Iqama Number)
• Select Single or Multiple Entry
• Print the Form

Iqama Holder Takes the Completed Form to His/Her Sponsor to Sign and Stamp And If Needed to The Chamber of Commerce for Attestation

The sponsor then signs and stamps the document. If required for private company workers, the Saudi Chamber of Commerce can also attest it. Go there, pay 35 SR and get a printout.

Iqama Holder Checks His/Her MOFA Account To Confirm Acceptance And Sends Completed Form/Visa Number To Intending Visitor

• Select Application
• Enter Application Number
• Enter Iqama Number
• Enter Image Code
• Click Enquire
• Check Family Visit Visa Status

If yes, the Iqama holder sends a scanned copy of the completed, signed and stamped application form to the family member who is applying for the Family Visit Visa in his/her home country.

If it’s not ready, just wait. If it’s rejected, try again!

Iqama Holder/Visiting Family Member Registers, & Pays for Family Visit Visa at the Enjazat Website

For this you need:

• The Application Number
• Intending Visitor Passport Number and Applicant’s Bio Data
• MasterCard or Visa
• Intending Visitor Passport Size Photo

Family Member Visitor Submits Documents To Local Visa Agency Dealing With The Local Saudi Embassy/Consulate

There will be a local Visa Agency in your country who charges you to submit your passport and documents to the Saudi Embassy to complete the process of issuing the Family Visit Visa.

In some cases, you can do it yourself to avoid the agency fee. Embassy staff may allow you to submit your passport and documents personally at the Saudi Embassy. It has worked before for some people! Try your luck!

A list of visa application agencies is with the Embassy perhaps even on their websites.

Documents Required For the Applicant:

• Abshir Paper And Date Of Iqama Expiry
• Print out of Family Visit Visa
• Valid International Passport (Minimum 7 months validity remaining)
• Copy Of Sponsor’s Passport With 6 months validity
• Copy of Sponsor’s and Wife’s/Husband’s Passport
• Copy of Sponsor’s AND/OR Wife/Husband’s Residency Permit, the Iqama
• 4 passport size photos
• Certified Sponsor’s Marriage Certificate IF Applicant (s) is an In-laws (Attested by MOFA + One Copy)
• Certified Copy of Birth Certificate Of Son/ Daughter if Applicants (s) is an In-Laws (Attested by MOFA + One Copy) 
• Original B Form (Attested By MOFA And One Copy)
• Certified Copy of National ID Card of Applicant 
• Family Book If Necessary
• Certificate of Unmarried Female Above 18 years of Age (if required)

First, get your proof documents stamped and attested. Check how to do that in your country.

After compiling all the correct documents and checking your passport validity you can pay the agency fee and deposit your passport and documents at the Visa Agency.

The Saudi Embassy says the Family Visit Visa will be ready in up to 3 days under normal circumstances. Delays will involve requests for additional documents and/or checks

Visitor Collects Passport/Documents plus Issued Family Visit Visa From the Saudi Embassy 

The local visa agency you are dealing with will arrange an appointment for you to come to collect your passport with issued Family Visit Visa and the documents. It can take up to 3 days or more depending on each individual case. They can also deliver it to you by post.       

Family Visit Visa renewals, Insurance, and Penalties for Overstaying

Can you extend a saudi single entry family visit visa.

No, it is only valid for 30 days. On or before the 30 days have expired your visitor must return to his/her home country and begin the whole Family Visit Visa application process from scratch. 

Can you extend a Multiple Entry Family Visit Visa?

No! For either the Single of Multiple Family Visit Visas , the visitor can only stay a total of 3 months after which they have to leave the kingdom.

However, multiple visit visa allows visitors to reenter Saudi Arabia using the same visa for up to 3 times, but not exceeding 1 year.

How do you check the status of your Family Visit Visa Insurance?

• Application Reference Number (Family Visit Visa)
• Sponsor’s Iqama Number 
• Captcha Code

The status of the visit visa status will be shown to you.  

Do You Need Health Insurance For A Family Visit Visa?

Health Insurance is required for a Single and Multiple Entry Family Visit Visas. For the second , it can be extended. The cost of the visa insurance depends on age, sex and medical background of the applicant. Currently, the prices are between 30 SR and 100 SR.

Who Provides Health Insurance For A Saudi Family Visit Visa?

There are a limited number of insurance companies authorized by the Ministry of the Interior to sell health insurance for the purposes of a Family Visit Visa .

They are:  

• BUPA Arabia
• Arabian Shield
• AXA Cooperative
• Allied Cooperative
• Saudi United Cooperative

Compare insurance company offers before you buy the Family Visit Visa insurance to get the best offer.

What does a Family Visit Visa health insurance cover?

It is travel insurance that only covers treatment for emergency cases. You can use it in the case of emergencies, traffic accidents, repatriation after death, dental, dialysis, problems of pregnancy and injuries through accidents, etc. However, the costs of childbirth must be met by the family visit visa holder. 

Costs are covered for expenses up to a maximum of 100,00 SR. Policy limits are set in the contracts for cases of hospitalization, room, doctor and nursing services, and life support limited to 600 SR per day. Medication is NOT included in the policy. Conditions are given in each individual the insurance policy.  

Treatments Covered

Treatments not covered , how much does health insurance cost for a saudi family visit visa.

There is a criterion for insurance costs depending on the age, sex and medical background of the visitor applicant. Currently, the prices are between 30 SR and 100 SR.

How do you apply for the Saudi Family Visit Visa health insurance cover?

You apply online for travel insurance for the Family Visit Visa to any one of the Health Insurance providers on the list authorized by the Ministry of the Interior. Click on the following links to compare quotes for the Saudi Family Visit Visa. 

How Do You Register with Your Choice of Insurance Company ?

For complete details of how to apply for Health Insurance for the Family Visit Visa at your choice of insurance companies and for useful application tips click through to the following link.

• Enter Your Personal Details
• Enter Visitor Passport Holder Number
• Enter Family Visit Visa Holder Number 
• Enter the Border Number in Passport
• Pay the Fee

Your Family Visit Visa Insurance will be issued to you! If later you wish to extend the coverage for a Multiple Entry Family Visit Visa you can log in again to the Insurance company website and click through to process the visit visa extension.  

How do you check for Medical Insurance Validity for a Saudi Family Visit Visa?

This is how you do it.

• Choose Inquire About Visitor Insurance
• Then click Service Link
• Enter Visitor Passport Number & Captcha Code

What happens if you overstay on a Family Visit Visa?

Overstaying your  Family Visit Visa is a serious matter. If you fail to extend your  Family Visit Visa or if you remain in Saudi Arabia after your final extension has expired, the ministerial authorities will impose harsh penalties.

• Imprisonment in Detention Centre
• Deportation 
• Pay expenses for repatriation
• Possible Ban on reentering Saudi Arabia 

Overstaying your Family Visit Visa can easily be avoided by allowing time for delayed or canceled return flights out of the kingdom. Plan to leave the kingdom a few days before the expiration date of the Family Visit Visa. If this is not possible and you have to stay longer, then you should renew the Visit Visa as soon as possible. 

Related Questions

Does everyone need to have medical Insurance to visit Saudi Arabia? No, people coming for Hajj & Umrah, people on Diplomatic visas and Diplomatic mission do not need to apply for the mandatory visit visa health insurance. 

Salam Allekum! Hi there! Thanks for reading. Contact the Editor Mohammed Francis directly at [email protected] with any questions or queries.

Mohammed Francis

I am a UK national, a college teacher, father of 3, writer and blogger.

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Family Visit Visa

Requirements:

• Original passport valid for no less than six (6) months, with at least two (2) successive empty visa pages.
• To fill your online application and make a visa payment, please log on to  https://visa.mofa.gov.sa .  ( Guideline for Enjaz )  Health insurance must be purchased from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Options for local health insurance providers will appear upon processing your Enjaz form.
• A visa referral note: indicating number and date of visa, issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs or either of its branches in Jeddah or Dammam.
• Proof of relationship between applicant and inviting party in, along with proof of relationship between applicants themselves, if any.
• Minors (under 18 years) travelling alone, or with one parent, must submit a notarized letter in Arabic or English signed by a parent or a legal guardian.
• For non-U.S. citizens, copy of green card or document confirming legal residence in the U.S.  

You May Also Apply For the Visa by: 

• Applying in person at the embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Via Mail to the Embassy's address: 601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20037.
• Through the Embassy's authorized travel agencies .

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Saudi arabia announces new amendments to visit visa duration, validity, new rules will apply to single entry and transit visas, by web desk.

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Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced the extension of the period of stay for single entry visit visas to three months.

Amendments have also been done to extend the length of stay for transit visas holders. They can now stay up to 96 hours without any extra charges and the validity is for three months, according to SPA.

The decision, approved by the Saudi Cabinet, will be applicable to single entry visit visas for all purposes.

Single-entry family visit visas are currently valid only for 30 days, while multiple-entry visas are valid for 90 days.

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Saudi Arabia extends duration of stay for single-entry visit visas

Transit visas will also be valid for use for up to three months.

The skyline of Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has been updating its entry rules to make the country more accessible to visitors. EPA

Saudi Arabia will now allow people with single-entry visit visas to remain in the kingdom for up to three months, compared to a month in the past.

The Council of Ministers announced on Tuesday that it had also approved the extension of the duration of stay for transit visas to 96 hours without any fee, with a validity of three months.

A session of the Cabinet chaired by King Salman at Al Yamamah Palace approved the changes in the visa system.

The Cabinet decision will be applicable to the single-entry visit visas for all purposes.

Before the changes, single-entry family visit visas had a duration of stay of up to 30 days, while multiple-entry visas allowed the holder to remain in the kingdom for 90 days.

Last month, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah extended the Umrah visa , which was previously limited to 30 days, to 90 days. The ministry said pilgrims should have a valid entry permit, whether it is a travel or Umrah visa, to enter Saudi Arabia.

The kingdom had also recently updated its entry rules to make the country more accessible to visitors .

A decree signed by the country's Minister of Tourism in September will allow GCC residents to apply for e-visas through the dedicated online portal, www.visitsaudi.com/visa , and makes it easier for travellers from the UK, the US and the EU to enter Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabian officials have introduced a new process for foreign residents to obtain family visit visas’, which grants them the opportunity to embark on the sacred Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that family visit visas can be acquired with the sponsorship of a relative residing within the kingdom. The ministry specified that the sponsor must either be a Saudi citizen or a resident expatriate.

“Application for the visa is presented via the Foreign Ministry’s Unified National Platform Visa.Mofa.gov.sa,” the ministry said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Prior to visiting the Grand Mosque in Mecca, visa holders are advised to ensure that they have to scheduled an Umrah appointment using either the Nusuk or Tawakklana Services apps.

During the current season of Umrah, the Saudi Arabian authorities expects around 10 million Muslims from abroad to embark the sacred pilgrimage in Mecca.

Muslims holding various entry visas, including personal, visitor, and tourist visas, are permitted to perform Umrah and visit Al Rawda Al Sharifa, the site of the Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) tomb within the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. However, prior booking of an e-appointment is mandatory for the purpose.

The Saudi authorities have prolonged the Umrah visa duration, extending it from 30 days to 90 days. Additionally, they have granted Umrah visa holders the flexibility to enter the kingdom through any land, air, or sea port and depart from any airport of their choice.

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Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia Latest News, Procedure 2024

Family Visit Visa in Saudi Arabia Latest News

Family visit visa in Saudi Arabia latest news is available here. According to new rules, a one-month single-entry Saudi family visit visa is granted. However, you have the right to apply for a 30-day extension up to 5 times, i.e. 5-month extension is possible. In this way, the KSA family visit visa holder can stay up to 180 days in the Kingdom.

Similarly, the duration of Multiple Saudi Arabia family visit visas has been decreased from 2 years to 9 months. Moreover, multiple visa holder has no right to apply for an extension.

Family Visit Visa Fees for Saudi Arabia

As per policy, the visa fee is the same for single entry and multiple family visit visas. So the family visit visa fees for Saudi Arabia is 300 Riyal like other visas. However, in this case, the insurance charges are separate from the visa fee.

Apply Family Visit Visa Saudi Arabia

You have to adopt this simple method to apply family visit visa Saudi Arabia. Simply follow the few steps given below.

• First Step: Click on the below link to open the required page of the MOF website. https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/FamilyVisitVisa
• Note: The default language for this applicati on is Arabic, so don’t be confused and follow us to fill up the Saudi family visit visa application form.
• Second Step: You can see there are two options at the bottom of the page. You have to click on ‘’أوافق ‘’ which means ‘’Agree”. After clicking a new page will open. Umrah Visa Fee and Requirements

• Third Step: Now enter your Iqama number with the expiry date in the relevant boxes and click on “التالی ’’ as mentioned in the screenshot.  

Fourth Step

• It is the 4th step for a Saudi Arabia family visit visa. Your particulars like name, sponsor name, nationality, and sponsor ID will be shown on the new page. You have to enter here your cell number, city name, and e-mail address. Then click on “التالی ’’.
• Fifth Step: Wait for the opening of the new page, then type ‘’زيارة عائلية ” in the box of ‘’Purpose of visit’’. You should know that the meaning of these Arabic words is ‘’Family Visit Visa’’. Then put the image code as shown in the captcha and click on ‘’ إضافة ’’.
• Sixth Step: We will provide the details of your relative on the new screen. You can see these fields in the screenshot given below. Click on’ إضافة ’’ after filling up the all required boxes. You can enter the particulars of other persons interested in getting a family visit visa KSA similarity.
• Seventh Step: Now Save the document and send it to your sponsor for his signature and chamber of commerce authentication. This process will take one or two days.  
• Eighth Step: After the approval visa document will be generated within two weeks. You will get its print and send it to your relatives.

Visa Stamping

Etimad charges .

35 to 40 thousand Pak Rupees will be charged on the Etimad center including visa fees, lounge fees, biometric fees, insurance, etc.

Now you will have to submit all the papers with your passport to the Saudi Embassy for visa stamping. It may take a week or more time, however, you can check your visa status by the process given in this article.

Check Saudi Visa Status with Passport Number (2023)

Documents for Saudi family visit visa Stamping

You should bring these documents while visiting the Etimad Centre and Embassy for visa Stamping.

• Visa copy received from Saudi Arabia.
• A valid original Passport with copies.
• Copies of your Sponsor’s Iqama and Passport.
• The proof of relationship with the Sponsor i.e. Nadra registration, ID card, Marriage certificate, B form, etc.
• 2 Passport size photos.
• Biometric and Medical insurance certificate.

Final Words

You have learned about the family visit visa in Saudi Arabia latest news in this blog. We update it when receive any change in visa rules. You may ask any question in the comment box given below. We will try our level best to answer your query immediately.

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Middle East latest: 'Total destruction' reported at Gaza's largest hospital complex after IDF withdraws; first images emerge

Hundreds of people have returned to al Shifa Hospital and the surrounding area after the Israeli military ended a two-week raid. Meanwhile, a building in an Israeli port city was struck by an "aerial threat".

Monday 1 April 2024 13:25, UK

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• Residents describe 'total destruction' as IDF withdraws from Gaza's largest hospital
• Dramatic before and after images show charred buildings and bullet holes
• Israel says it seized weaponry and intelligence documents from hospital
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Hundreds of people have returned to al Shifa hospital and the surrounding area.

The Israeli military withdrew from the complex this morning, following a two-week raid in which they say they killed senior Hamas operatives who had regrouped there.

Residents arriving in the area described "total destruction".

At least 32,845 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military offensive since 7 October, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.

Another 75,392 have been injured, the ministry said.

There have been 63 Palestinians killed and 94 wounded in the past 24 hours, it said.

By Olive Enokido-Lineham, OSINT producer

Before and after images of Gaza's largest hospital show the level of destruction to the compound from heavy fighting over the last five months. 

Pictures show the charred remains and damage to some of al Shifa's largest buildings - including the surgery building and the emergency department. 

The hospital has largely ceased to function. The satellite image below shows the layout of the compound.  

The Israeli military (IDF) withdrew from the hospital today following a two-week raid. 

Surgery building  

The before image of the surgery building - close to the entrance of the complex - was taken on 8 November last year. Tents and blankets can be seen around the roundabout. Hundreds of Palestinians were sheltering in the hospital grounds. 

The later image, taken today, shows heavy damage to the front of the building including dozens of bullet holes.  

Emergency department  

The emergency department is one of the key sites in the hospital grounds. Patients often arrived at al Shifa in ambulances and were rushed inside this building. 

The before imagery is a screenshot from an IDF video of the army's raid posted on 25 March. The after image showing the front of the building completely charred is from today – just a week after this video was released. 

Large mounds of dirt from bulldozers can also be seen in front of the building. 

Walkway tunnel  

A walkway connecting the surgery building to the emergency department has also been destroyed. The first image is taken from an IDF video of Israeli troops at al Shifa in early November. 

The second, taken today, shows the walkway barely connected, with few windows remaining. 

Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals including al Shifa for military purposes and has raided several medical facilities. Health officials in Gaza deny those allegations.  

The IDF said in their most recent raid, troops had arrested some 900 suspected militants, including more than 500 Hamas and Islamic Jihad fighters. 

Benjamin Netanyahu plans to shut down news channel Al Jazeera in Israel, his Likud party has announced.

The prime minister will convene lawmakers today to approve the move against the Qatari satellite television station, the party said.

If the necessary laws are ratified, Mr Netanyahu "will take immediate action to shut down Al Jazeera in accordance with procedure set out in the law", the party statement read.

The Netanyahu administration has long opposed the news channel, claiming it broadcasts biased coverage of conflicts involving Israel.

US weapons support will "embolden" Benjamin Netanyahu's negotiating position as his officials return to their posts in Cairo, says military analyst Sean Bell.

The support is unsurprising - despite the increasing strain between the Biden and Netanyahu administrations - because the deal forms part of a long-standing arrangement, he said.

Bell said the US supplies approximately 70% of the weapons used by Israel, with Germany providing the best part of 30%.

"Most of the international community now believe Hamas has no future in Gaza, so the question is do they leave in body bags, bluntly, or do they leave having negotiated their way out?"

Meanwhile there is increasing pressure on Mr Netanyahu both from abroad and at home, with tens of thousands protesting the government in Jerusalem, Bell said.

"These negotiations are happening in Cairo, [so] the stakes could not be higher."

Pictures from al Shifa hospital complex and the surrounding areas show buildings charred and reduced to rubble following fighting between Hamas and the IDF.

"I haven't stopped crying since I arrived here, horrible massacres were committed by the occupation here," said resident Samir Basel, 43.

"The place is destroyed, buildings have been burnt and destroyed. This place needs to be rebuilt - there is no Shifa hospital anymore."

Israel said operations inside al Shifa had been conducted "while preventing harm to civilians, patients and medical teams". 

Among those who have been protesting outside the Knesset in Jerusalem is Danny Elgarat, whose brother, Itzhak, was taken hostage.

He told the Jerusalem Post he believed Benjamin Netanyahu was waiting until the end of his term as prime minister to return the hostages "as an achievement for the elections".

Mr Netanyahu was "like the captain of the Titanic, lost at sea and telling us that in a moment he will defeat Hamas", he said.

The prime minister has repeatedly vowed to return all the hostages, and said that military pressure was the most effective means to achieve this.

Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in central Jerusalem yesterday in the largest anti-government protest since the country went to war.

Protest groups, including some that led the mass demonstrations that rocked Israel in 2023, organised the rally outside parliament, the Knesset, calling for a new election.

The protesters also want a more equal share in the burden of army service - exemptions are granted to ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from military service.

Heavily damaged and charred buildings, mounds of dirt churned up by bulldozers, and patients on stretchers in darkened corridors have been filmed in footage of al Shifa circling online.

The World Health Organisation said 21 patients died and dozens were put at risk during the two-week Israeli raid.

Despite being located in one of the hardest-hit areas in Gaza, Hamas and the IDF were engaged in days of heavy fighting.

"The situation is indescribable. The occupation destroyed all sense of life here," said resident Yahia Abu Auf.

WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said over a hundred patients were still inside the compound, including four children and 28 critical patients. 

There were no diapers, urine bags or water to clean wounds, and many patients were suffering from infected wounds and dehydration, he said.

Only one bottle of water remained for every 15 people.

"Contagious diseases are spreading due to extremely unsanitary conditions and a lack of water," said Mr Ghebreyesus.

"Food is extremely limited – this is potentially life-threatening for diabetic patients whose condition is worsening."

The first images are emerging from the al Shifa medical complex, following a two week raid by Israeli forces.

Reuters photographers captured pictures of the heavily damaged Special Surgery building.

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