The recent raid by Israeli forces at Kamal Adwan Hospital highlights the deteriorating health conditions in Gaza amid ongoing military operations.
Israeli Military Action Raises Concerns Over Gaza Hospital Security
Israeli Military Action Raises Concerns Over Gaza Hospital Security
World Health Organization loses contact with Kamal Adwan Hospital as tensions escalate in Gaza.
The director of the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) reported on Friday that communication was lost with one of the last active hospitals in northern Gaza, the Kamal Adwan Hospital, after an Israeli military raid. The Israeli military only stated that it was “operating in the area” of the hospital without directly addressing the raid claims. Health officials in Gaza alleged that Israeli troops stormed the facility, reportedly detaining hundreds of patients, medical staff, and displaced individuals.
On Friday evening, the situation at the hospital was reportedly “alarmingly deteriorating.” Israeli troops searched the hospital and fired shots, inducing chaos among approximately 600 individuals sheltering there, according to the Gaza health ministry. The ministry also indicated the tragic deaths of two children in the intensive care unit due to non-functioning generators amid the crisis.
In response, the W.H.O. director, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the loss of contact with the hospital as “deeply disturbing.” He noted that a team from W.H.O. had been present to deliver essential medical supplies just the day prior. While noting the tension, the Israeli military justified its operations based on intelligence suggesting the presence of “terrorists and terrorist infrastructure” nearby.
The Israeli forces had a history of besieging the Kamal Adwan Hospital, previously raiding it in December of the past year. Recently, the Gaza health ministry reported that this particular hospital was among three designated for evacuation as part of the Israeli military’s efforts against a perceived resurgence of Hamas.
On a brighter note, Ghebreyesus mentioned that on Thursday, W.H.O. staff managed to transfer 23 patients and 26 caregivers to another medical facility within Gaza. Additionally, the Israeli military is reported to have coordinated with W.H.O. in facilitating medical evacuations and maintaining emergency services in prior weeks, according to COGAT, the Israeli agency monitoring policy in Gaza.
