Kamal Adwan Hospital Faces Dire Situation Amid Conflict
An Israeli military operation conducted on Friday has left the Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last major health facility in northern Gaza, non-operational, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The raid, which took place early in the morning, resulted in significant damage, with key departments reportedly suffering severe burns and destruction.
The Israeli military justified the operation by claiming that the hospital had transformed into a stronghold for Hamas militants, asserting that it was being used as a hideout for terrorist operatives. This claim aligns with the ongoing military efforts in northern Gaza that began in October, aimed at disrupting Hamas’s activities.
Health Workers and Patients at Risk
The World Health Organization has expressed grave concerns about the situation at Kamal Adwan Hospital. Reports indicate that approximately 60 health workers and 25 critically ill patients, including those reliant on ventilators, are trapped within the facility. Due to the escalating violence, patients in moderate to severe condition were forced to evacuate to the non-functional Indonesian Hospital, raising alarms about their safety.
In its statement, the WHO highlighted the increasing restrictions on access for health organizations and the repeated attacks on or near the hospital since early October. These actions have severely undermined efforts to maintain the hospital’s functionality, leading to a catastrophic situation for healthcare in Gaza.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
The WHO described the systematic dismantling of Gaza’s health system as a potential death sentence for tens of thousands of Palestinians in dire need of medical care. The organization has called for immediate action, urging for a ceasefire and the protection of healthcare facilities amid the ongoing conflict.
In light of the recent raid, the WHO’s calls for peace resonate louder than ever. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, placing immense stress on both patients and healthcare providers. The urgency for a resolution is critical to prevent further loss of life and to restore essential health services.
International Response and Urgency for Action
As the situation unfolds, the international community has been urged to take a stand against the violence affecting healthcare in conflict zones. The WHO has emphasized that the right to health and safety for all individuals, especially the vulnerable, must be upheld during such tumultuous times.
Kamal Adwan Hospital, located in Beit Lahia, remains at the epicenter of these hostilities, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by those living in conflict-affected areas. The urgent need for a ceasefire and the prioritization of humanitarian access has never been more critical.
