The Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza has been under Israeli military siege for five consecutive days, causing distress and concern for the staff and patients inside. The hospital’s acting director, Dr. Mohammed Saleh, reported that soldiers had stormed the building, forcing the staff to evacuate, leaving behind only a handful of personnel and patients.
The situation at Al-Awda Hospital is dire, with continuous gunfire and shelling directed towards the facility. The World Health Organization (WHO) chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed alarm over the escalating violence, stating that 140 individuals were inside the hospital when it was raided by troops. The WHO had been providing essential medical supplies and fuel to the hospital but had to halt its operations due to the dangerous conditions.
This recent attack on Al-Awda Hospital is not an isolated incident. In April, the WHO reported that snipers were targeting the building, and artillery had hit the fifth floor. Another hospital in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan, was also evacuated earlier this week, leaving only two functional hospitals in the region. The WHO emphasized the critical importance of ensuring these hospitals can continue to provide essential health services to the community.
The Israeli military’s actions in Gaza have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of medical facilities and personnel in the region. Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, the largest hospital in Gaza, was previously targeted and reduced to rubble during a military operation in March. These attacks not only endanger the lives of patients and staff but also disrupt vital healthcare services for the local population.
The international community has called for an immediate end to the violence and siege on medical facilities in Gaza. Humanitarian organizations have urged all parties involved to respect the sanctity of hospitals and ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients. The WHO has reiterated its commitment to supporting healthcare facilities in conflict zones and providing assistance to those in need.
As the situation in Gaza continues to escalate, it is crucial for all parties to prioritize the protection of medical facilities and personnel. Hospitals must remain safe havens for those seeking medical care, free from violence and interference. The international community must work together to uphold humanitarian principles and ensure access to healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
In times of conflict, it is essential to safeguard the integrity of healthcare facilities and uphold the right to health for all individuals. The siege on Al-Awda Hospital and other medical facilities in Gaza must end to prevent further harm to innocent civilians and ensure access to life-saving medical treatment. The world is watching, and it is time for action to protect the most vulnerable in times of crisis.