Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza Rendered Non-Functional After Israeli Strike

In a devastating blow to the already strained health system in Gaza, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Israel’s military operation near Kamal Adwan Hospital has rendered the last major health facility in northern Gaza non-operational.

The WHO issued a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing deep concern over the raid. “Initial reports indicate that some key departments were severely burnt and destroyed during the raid,” the statement read.

Israel’s Justification and WHO’s Concerns

Israel’s military claimed in a statement that the hospital had become a “key stronghold for terrorist organizations” and a “hideout for terrorist operatives” since the beginning of the broader Israeli offensive in northern Gaza in October.

Despite the Israeli military’s claims, the WHO stated that 60 health workers and 25 patients in critical condition, including those on ventilators, remain trapped within the hospital. The UN health agency reported that patients in moderate to severe condition were forced to evacuate to the destroyed and non-functional Indonesian Hospital. The WHO expressed grave concerns for their safety.

The WHO emphasized the escalating restrictions on access to the hospital for aid workers and partners, along with repeated attacks on or near the facility since early October. The agency stressed that these hostilities were undoing all efforts to maintain the facility’s minimal functionality.

Hamas Denials and Accusations

Hamas vehemently denied its militants were present in the hospital, accusing Israeli forces of storming and intentionally setting the facility on fire. They called the Israeli military’s claims “lies” aimed at justifying the military operation. Hamas demanded an international investigation into the Israeli actions in northern Gaza.

The Hamas-run health ministry, quoting the hospital director Hossam Abu Safiyeh, confirmed that the Israeli military had set fire to all surgery departments of the hospital and evacuated all medical staff and civilians. They also reported numerous injuries among the medical team.

Global Condemnation and Calls for Ceasefire

The incident at Kamal Adwan Hospital has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. The WHO reiterated its urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation facing the Palestinian population.

The world faces a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We urge all parties to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians and allow for immediate access to essential services.