North Gaza Hospital No Longer Functioning, Patients Evacuated: WHO
A hospital in north Gaza that was raided by Israeli troops is no longer functioning, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) official. The evacuation of patients, including babies, has further exacerbated the already collapsing health services in the enclave.
Israeli forces allegedly used a bulldozer to break through the perimeter of the Kamal Adwan hospital, forcing out displaced people. However, Israeli authorities claim that the hospital was being used by Hamas fighters. The veracity of these accounts could not be independently verified by Reuters. The WHO has been urgently seeking information about the situation at the hospital.
Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for Gaza, stated that the hospital is no longer operational. Two newborn babies were sent home with their families and instructions on how to care for them, while other patients, including infants, were evacuated to Al Ahli and Al Shifa hospitals. Peeperkorn also mentioned that many health workers were reportedly detained during the raid. The loss of any hospitals in Gaza is a significant blow to the already strained healthcare system.
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted healthcare facilities in Gaza, with those in the northern region being particularly affected. Gaza is home to 2.3 million people, most of whom have been displaced from their homes due to the offensive launched by Israel in response to Hamas’ incursion on October 7th.
While many displaced individuals have sought refuge in southern Gaza, there are still reports of several hundred thousand people remaining in the north. Peeperkorn emphasized the urgent need for functional health facilities in this area. The situation is further compounded by the fact that approximately 4,000 displaced people taking shelter in the Nasser medical complex in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, are at risk as Israel continues its military operations there.
Peeperkorn expressed concern for the safety and well-being of these individuals, stating that they have expressed fear to the staff. The escalating violence and destruction of healthcare infrastructure not only pose immediate risks to the population but also have long-term consequences for the already fragile healthcare system in Gaza.
The international community has called for an end to the violence and the protection of civilians, including access to essential healthcare services. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have been working tirelessly to provide aid and support to the affected population. However, the ongoing conflict continues to hinder their efforts.
The situation in Gaza highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The destruction of hospitals and the displacement of people further exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Immediate action is required to ensure the safety and well-being of the civilian population, as well as the provision of essential healthcare services.
As the conflict persists, it is crucial for the international community to continue advocating for a peaceful resolution and supporting humanitarian efforts on the ground. The protection of healthcare facilities and personnel must be prioritized to prevent further deterioration of the healthcare system in Gaza. Only through concerted efforts and a commitment to peace can the people of Gaza hope for a brighter future.