In brief
Israeli military operations around Kamal Adwan hospital have led to forced evacuations of patients and staff, raising critical concerns for the remaining medical personnel and patients amidst ongoing airstrikes.
One of the last remaining hospitals operational in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan, has been forcibly evacuated under the orders of the Israeli military, as reported by medical staff following a surge in Israeli airstrikes that have killed dozens in the area. Eid Sabbah, head of nursing at Kamal Adwan, described a harrowing scene where military personnel provided only a 15-minute window for patients and staff to evacuate into the hospital courtyard.Israeli military officials justified the operation by labeling the vicinity of Kamal Adwan hospital as a "Hamas terrorist stronghold," claiming to have facilitated the removal of civilians and medical staff prior to their offensive. However, they did not disclose details regarding the relocation of patients. An earlier statement from an Israeli official indicated plans to transfer patients to the nearby Indonesian hospital, which had also been evacuated just days prior.Dr. Sabbah expressed grave concerns regarding the evacuation, particularly for patients in critical condition requiring ventilation. He emphasized the need for specialized transportation to ensure their safety during transfer. Tragically, the latest intel from Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital director, revealed that a series of airstrikes had resulted in the deaths of approximately 50 individuals, including medical staff members. The strikes targeted structures near the hospital, leading to the loss of a pediatrician, a laboratory technician, and others who responded to the scene of the initial explosions. Additionally, two hospital paramedics were reportedly killed while attending to victims just outside hospital grounds, highlighting the dangers faced by medical personnel.The Israeli military, when questioned about these incidents, claimed to be unaware of strikes in that specific area and stated an investigation was underway regarding the reported casualties among staff. The situation at Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahia has become increasingly dire, with the facility under a strict Israeli blockade since October, aimed at effectively incapacitating Hamas’ operations.According to the UN, the surrounding region has been subjected to a "near-total siege," leaving around 10,000 to 15,000 people without adequate aid as access for supplies has been heavily restricted. Amid the chaos, hospital administrators have appealed for protection from aerial assaults, which have led to devastating impacts on both healthcare services and the civilian population. Oxfam has reported that efforts from aid agencies to deliver vital supplies have consistently been thwarted, attributing the delays to systematic obstructions by Israeli forces.
