All Public Hospitals in Northern Gaza Cease Operations Amid Ongoing Conflict

Amid heightened military offensives, the Hamas-affiliated health ministry in Gaza has declared that every public hospital in the northern region has ceased operations. The announcement coincides with ongoing negotiations for a potential hostage exchange and truce agreement.

All three public hospitals in northern Gaza have been declared "out of service" by the Hamas-run health ministry, as Israeli military actions intensify in the region. The ministry reported on Sunday that Israeli forces besieged the Indonesian hospital located in Beit Lahia, obstructing the arrival of patients, medical staff, and hospital supplies due to heavy gunfire. Previously, this hospital was the last operational medical facility in northern Gaza.

The announcement follows Israel's military declaration of "Operation Gideon's Chariot," which has reportedly resulted in one of the deadliest waves of strikes in Gaza in recent months. The health ministry specified that following the destruction of Beit Hanoun Hospital and Kamal Adwan Hospital, the current situation leaves no active public hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip.

Additionally, there are ongoing negotiations concerning a potential hostage exchange, where Hamas has proposed to release nine hostages in trade for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners. This development marks a critical juncture in the protracted conflict that has severely impacted civilian health care and access to medical assistance in the region.