The ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza have drawn international condemnation as Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few remaining operational healthcare facilities in northern Gaza, faces direct attacks. The hospital, located in a heavily besieged area, is under assault by Israeli drones, tanks, and artillery. Health officials are now calling for urgent international intervention to protect both patients and medical staff from further harm.
Attacks on Critical Health Infrastructure
On December 21, 2024, Kamal Adwan Hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, released a video statement, revealing the dire situation inside the facility. He reported that the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU), along with its nursery and maternity departments, had been targeted by Israeli forces using various weapons, including sniper fire and tank shells. The hospital remains one of the few medical centers still functioning in the region, but it is struggling with a severe shortage of medical supplies and personnel.
Dr. Abu Safia pleaded for international help, stating that for over an hour, Israeli artillery had been relentlessly bombarding the hospital. He expressed concern for the 66 remaining patients and the healthcare workers who are risking their lives to provide care amid the ongoing attacks.
The Strained Healthcare System
Kamal Adwan Hospital is one of the few remaining operational health facilities in northern Gaza. With minimal staff and critical shortages of medical supplies, the hospital is struggling to care for the growing number of injured Palestinians. The attacks are only worsening the already fragile situation, as most medical personnel forcefully work under life-threatening conditions.
International Outcry
The continued attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza have raised alarms across the globe. Furthermore, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the strikes on Kamal Adwan Hospital, calling them “deeply worrisome.” The WHO has urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, as the humanitarian crisis worsens.
Moreover, in response to the escalating violence, Dr. Abu Safia criticized the justification given by Israeli forces, who claim that the hospital is under control of combatants. He strongly rejected this narrative, pointing out that the hospital is a civilian facility providing essential medical care to the most vulnerable.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, with airstrikes, artillery fire, and a military blockade severely impacting civilians. More than 45,000 people, including a large number of women and children, have lost their lives, and more than 2.4 million people have been displaced.
Read: Israel Committing Genocide for Denying Water in Gaza, Says Human Rights Watch
The international community has increasingly criticized Israel’s blockade of Gaza, particularly its obstruction of humanitarian aid, including food and water supplies. The United Nations has called the situation in Gaza catastrophic, with millions facing hunger, disease, and violence.
As Israeli forces continue their assault on Gaza, the international community faces growing calls to protect civilian lives and end the violence. Thus, Humanitarian groups and medical organizations have urged immediate action to safeguard healthcare facilities and provide critical support to those suffering the most.
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