In brief
Only one doctor is left at Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital post-Israeli raid, which targeted alleged Hamas militants. The hospital, now devoid of medical supplies, is facing a severe humanitarian crisis as patients struggle for care. International organizations are urged to intervene as Israeli forces claim a successful operation against "terrorists."
The situation at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza has deteriorated drastically, with reports indicating that only one medic remains following an extensive raid by Israeli forces. According to Dr. Khalil Daqran, a spokesperson for the Hamas-run health ministry, patients are suffering dire consequences due to a lack of medical assistance. He expressed urgent calls for international medical staff to arrive, warning that individuals are "bleeding to death" without adequate care. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the arrest of approximately 100 alleged "terrorists" during their operation at the hospital on Monday. This facility, located within the Jabalia refugee camp, has been labeled by the IDF as a stronghold for Hamas, a claim local health officials dispute. Dr. Daqran described severe damage inflicted by the Israeli military, which included setting parts of the facility ablaze, disabling the entrances, and demolishing walls. He reported that many medical personnel and patients were assaulted, while the fates of around 30 medical staff remain unknown. Presently, the hospital is rendered completely non-operational due to extensive destruction, lacking medicines, supplies, and food. The IDF asserted the operation was aimed at minimizing civilian casualties, while simultaneously announcing the discovery of weapons and financial documents linked to Hamas during their raid.Amid these developments, the humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza continues to escalate, with many residents lacking access to fundamental resources like water, food, and medical supplies. Daqran painted a bleak image, saying conditions are "catastrophic," with increasing risks for the spread of disease due to accumulating waste and a damaged infrastructure. UN human rights chief Volker Türk has condemned the situation, claiming that the Israeli military's actions could amount to crimes against humanity. Reports suggest that armed Palestinian groups operate among civilians, complicating the situation further. Many believe that there exists a systematic plan by the Israeli military to forcibly displace civilians from northern Gaza, a claim the Israeli military vehemently denies while ensuring the safety of non-combatants. The conflict escalated after Hamas launched a significant attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, leading Israel to launch a campaign against the group. The toll has been staggering, with more than 42,000 reported fatalities in Gaza since the outbreak of conflict.
