Gaza City, October 25, 2024 — Israeli military operations have escalated dramatically in northern Gaza, with forces breaching the compound of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli troops have entered the hospital complex, opening fire on parts of the facility, according to Gaza Health Ministry and hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya.
As conflict intensifies, the hospital is experiencing a severe shortage of supplies and is in urgent need of aid, with injured patients arriving from surrounding areas affected by the renewed Israeli offensive. United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, described the situation as “one of darkest moments” in the Gaza conflict, emphasizing dire conditions faced by the civilian population.
Turk stated, “Israeli military is effectively subjecting an entire population to bombing, siege, and risk of starvation, forcing people to choose between mass displacement and being trapped in an active conflict zone.” He warned that such actions could constitute crimes against humanity.
Trapped Medical Staff and Patients
Reports indicate that Israeli troops have detained all-male medical staff at the hospital, while women were confined to a single room without access to food or water. Dr. Abu Safiya recounted a harrowing experience where Israeli forces interrogated him about his statements to media, amid ongoing bombardment.
Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few minimally operational medical facilities in northern Gaza, has been receiving a large number of injured individuals. However, with the military’s entry into the compound, conditions have deteriorated further. “Instead of receiving aid, we are receiving tanks,” Dr. Abu Safiya lamented.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the situation, stating the hat organization had lost contact with hospital personnel. Before the military raid, the WHO had facilitated the evacuation of patients from the facility.
Israeli Military Justifications and Humanitarian Response
Israeli military justified its actions, claiming operations in the area were based on intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists. y also stated that in previous weeks, efforts had been made to evacuate patients while maintaining emergency services.
In contrast, humanitarian organizations have highlighted the urgent need for medical assistance. Gaza health ministry reported that, despite a recent convoy of supplies from WHO, including fuel and medical equipment, the hospital is housing approximately 200 patients, with hundreds more seeking refuge.
Witnesses reported that parts of the hospital’s walls were demolished, and the oxygen station sustained damage due to Israeli fire. The ongoing violence has left the facility vulnerable, with Dr. Abu Safiya noting that tanks were firing on upper floors, creating panic among patients and staff.
Desperate Conditions for Patients and Medical Staff
As the conflict enters its third week, the health ministry in Gaza has indicated that many patients are critically ill and require urgent evacuation. Dr. Abu Safiya emphasized that medical assistance is desperately needed for injured individuals in surrounding areas, particularly in Jabalya, where military operations have intensified.
“We have no medical assistance that can reach me,” he stated, highlighting dire circumstances faced by those in need of urgent care.
The situation in northern Gaza continues to evolve, with the humanitarian crisis deepening as Israeli military operations persist.
