The humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens as Israel’s continued offensive devastates medical staff and infants. Recent attacks killed five hospital staff members, rendering one of northern Gaza’s last operational hospitals nonfunctional. Amid freezing temperatures, a fourth infant died within three days, highlighting the worsening conditions for displaced residents.
Medical Workers Targeted in Hospital Attack
Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya suffered another fatal assault, killing a doctor, a lab technician, and two maintenance workers, according to hospital director Hussam Abu Safia. This follows earlier attacks that claimed the life of Dr. Ahmed al-Kahlout, head of the hospital’s ICU.
Read: Seven Children Killed in Israeli Air Strike on Gaza
Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary reported that Israeli forces used quadcopters to attack the hospital and its surroundings, compounding the region’s medical crisis. She added, “The hospital was barely functional before this attack, operating with minimal resources and staff.”
Struggles to Recover Bodies
Rescue workers in northern Gaza have been unable to retrieve the bodies of those killed near the hospital. Persistent attacks and blockades have left families unable to bury their loved ones. This stark reality underscores the plight of civilians enduring daily violence in northern Gaza.
Infants Freeze Amid Dire Conditions
The humanitarian toll continues to mount as another baby succumbed to freezing temperatures in Gaza, bringing the total to four infant deaths within 72 hours. Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, chief pediatrician at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, described the tragic conditions: “Tents offer no protection against the cold, and families have no way to stay warm at night.”
The lack of maternal nutrition has exacerbated health issues among children, stretching already strained medical facilities to their limits. Gaza’s displaced population, forced into overcrowded tent camps, faces cold, wet weather without adequate clothing or blankets.
Widespread Devastation and Displacement
Since October 5, Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza has killed over 45,300 Palestinians, more than half of whom are women and children. The offensive has displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, leaving families to endure repeated displacements and inadequate shelter.
The World Health Organization described the conditions at Kamal Adwan Hospital as “appalling,” warning that the facility was operating at bare minimum capacity even before the latest assault. Aid organizations have struggled to deliver essential supplies amid severe shortages of blankets, warm clothing, and firewood.
The Urgent Need for Aid
As Gaza faces harsh winter conditions and relentless attacks, the need for humanitarian assistance is more critical than ever. With medical services crippled, food and shelter scarce, and families unable to stay warm, the international community must address this escalating crisis to prevent further loss of life.
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