As Israeli airstrikes claim numerous lives, the evacuation raises questions about the safety of vulnerable patients and the implications for healthcare in the region.
Israel Evacuates Kamal Adwan Hospital Amid Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
Israel Evacuates Kamal Adwan Hospital Amid Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
Israeli military operations lead to the evacuation of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals, intensifying humanitarian concerns.
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Israeli military has forcibly evacuated Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, a facility that has been pivotal for medical care amid the war. The forced evacuation occurred as the area experienced devastating airstrikes that resulted in numerous casualties, particularly among medical staff and patients.
Eid Sabbah, head of the nursing department at the hospital, told the BBC that on Friday morning, around 07:00, Israeli troops provided a mere 15 minutes for hospital staff and patients to relocate into the hospital courtyard before initiating the evacuation process. Following this, armed personnel entered the hospital to clear any remaining patients.
The Israeli military characterized the operation around the hospital as necessary due to its alleged status as a "Hamas terrorist stronghold." The military stated that it had facilitated a secure evacuation for civilians and medical personnel. However, it did not specify the destination of the displaced patients. Earlier in the week, an Israeli official indicated that patients might be moved to the nearby Indonesian hospital, which has already experienced military evacuation measures.
Dr. Sabbah expressed deep concerns for critically ill patients, many of whom rely on ventilation support. "If the army intends to continue removing these patients, specialized vehicles will be required," he stated, highlighting the potential risks inherent in such forced relocations.
Tragically, recent airstrikes have reportedly killed approximately 50 individuals, including five healthcare workers, as noted by Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital's director. He detailed that a building opposite the hospital was struck, leading to the deaths of a pediatrician, a lab technician, and their families, as well as the targeting of a maintenance worker who died rushing to assist.
Despite the dire situation, the Israeli military claimed it was unaware of strikes occurring near Kamal Adwan Hospital and stated it was investigating reports regarding the fatalities among hospital staff. Under a prolonged Israeli blockade since October, the hospital has urged for essential protections as it has increasingly become a target of military operations.
Roughly 10,000 to 15,000 individuals are estimated to remain in the besieged northern Gaza area, where aid deliveries have been severely restricted, emphasizing the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding. Aid organizations, including Oxfam, reported that their efforts to deliver much-needed supplies have been thwarted by systematic obstructions on the part of the Israeli military.
The ongoing conflict continues to pose grave challenges to civilian health and safety in Gaza, raising urgent calls for international attention and intervention.
Eid Sabbah, head of the nursing department at the hospital, told the BBC that on Friday morning, around 07:00, Israeli troops provided a mere 15 minutes for hospital staff and patients to relocate into the hospital courtyard before initiating the evacuation process. Following this, armed personnel entered the hospital to clear any remaining patients.
The Israeli military characterized the operation around the hospital as necessary due to its alleged status as a "Hamas terrorist stronghold." The military stated that it had facilitated a secure evacuation for civilians and medical personnel. However, it did not specify the destination of the displaced patients. Earlier in the week, an Israeli official indicated that patients might be moved to the nearby Indonesian hospital, which has already experienced military evacuation measures.
Dr. Sabbah expressed deep concerns for critically ill patients, many of whom rely on ventilation support. "If the army intends to continue removing these patients, specialized vehicles will be required," he stated, highlighting the potential risks inherent in such forced relocations.
Tragically, recent airstrikes have reportedly killed approximately 50 individuals, including five healthcare workers, as noted by Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital's director. He detailed that a building opposite the hospital was struck, leading to the deaths of a pediatrician, a lab technician, and their families, as well as the targeting of a maintenance worker who died rushing to assist.
Despite the dire situation, the Israeli military claimed it was unaware of strikes occurring near Kamal Adwan Hospital and stated it was investigating reports regarding the fatalities among hospital staff. Under a prolonged Israeli blockade since October, the hospital has urged for essential protections as it has increasingly become a target of military operations.
Roughly 10,000 to 15,000 individuals are estimated to remain in the besieged northern Gaza area, where aid deliveries have been severely restricted, emphasizing the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding. Aid organizations, including Oxfam, reported that their efforts to deliver much-needed supplies have been thwarted by systematic obstructions on the part of the Israeli military.
The ongoing conflict continues to pose grave challenges to civilian health and safety in Gaza, raising urgent calls for international attention and intervention.
