North Gaza's Last Hospital Evacuated Amid Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis

The evacuation of al-Awda hospital signifies a severe health crisis in North Gaza, with reports of massive civilian casualties and a potential ceasefire plan that remains largely unaddressed. Various humanitarian efforts and criticism over Israel's actions reflect an increasing international response to the dire situation.

The last operational hospital in the North Gaza governorate, al-Awda in Jabalia, has ceased operations following an emergency evacuation ordered by the Israeli military. Dr. Mohammed Salha, the hospital director, reported to the BBC that the evacuation took place after "two weeks of siege," leaving the region without any functioning health facilities. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have not responded to inquiries regarding the evacuation.

This event unfolds amid ongoing discussions for a potential ceasefire. Hamas has stated they are "thoroughly reviewing" a United States proposal endorsed by Israel, while U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism for a nearing agreement. However, Hamas claims the proposal fails to meet its essential demands, particularly regarding Israel's cessation of hostilities. The proposed plan includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of hostages, and extensive humanitarian aid efforts.

Reports indicate that violence continues unabated, with Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry declaring over 72 fatalities from recent Israeli strikes. Dr. Salha described dire conditions during the evacuation process, detailing threats from the military and a significant impact on both staff and patients during the evacuation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the impact of the hospital's closure, labeling it a critical blow to an already overstretched healthcare system. They have called for the safeguarding of civilians and health service providers in the region.

Despite the announced evacuation zone affecting al-Awda, the hospital had previously remained functional until recent threats and ongoing attacks prompted the immediate departure of patients and staff. The IDF indicated they were targeting terror-related objectives in the area, and had previously stated their non-awareness of the alleged siege.

Humanitarian organizations have criticized the situation as extremely precarious, noting the hospital had faced multiple attacks that rendered essential infrastructure and medical supplies unusable. Currently, out of 158 primary healthcare centers in Gaza, only 61 are operational.

Israel has begun to permit limited humanitarian aid into Gaza after nearly three months of blockade, leading to chaotic scenes at distribution sites. Various humanitarian organizations, however, have raised concerns over the inadequate nature of the aid and have criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's operational integrity.

Amid rising tensions, humanitarian concerns have escalated globally, with various leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, urging for expanded aid access to alleviate the increasingly dire situation. Meanwhile, a dramatic escalation in fatalities has been reported since the onset of Israel's military campaign following a deadly cross-border attack by Hamas.

As hostility persists and the complexities of the ceasefire negotiations unfold, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to receive urgent international scrutiny.