Israel Forcibly Evacuates Kamal Adwan Hospital Amid Intensifying Gaza Conflict
Reports have emerged of a very disturbing incident in northern Gaza, where one of the last functioning hospitals in the region, Kamal Adwan Hospital, has been forcibly evacuated by Israeli military forces. This is amidst unending airstrikes targeting the area, leading to massive casualties and destruction of vital healthcare infrastructure.
The Kamal Adwan Hospital Must be Evacuated Forcefully
Eid Sabbah, the head of the nursing department at Kamal Adwan Hospital said Friday morning that Israeli forces gave the staff only 15 minutes to move the patients into the courtyard. Afterwards, the military entered the hospital and started removing the remaining patients-against critical health risks. Patients in the intensive care unit, Sabbah said, were put in life-threatening danger as ambulances with specialized vehicles were not provided during their forced relocation.
The Israeli military later said it had targeted what they called a "Hamas terrorist stronghold" near the hospital. They added that civilians, patients, and medical staff have also been "securely evacuated" in preparation for this operation. Precise destinations for such patients are still unknown, though. There was speculation they would be moved to the Indonesian Hospital, but it has itself been rendered non-operational due to grave shortages earlier in the week.
The Humanitarian Situation in Northern Gaza
The forced evacuation of Kamal Adwan Hospital is illustrative of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. According to Dr. Yousef Abu-Al Rish, Gaza's deputy minister of health, Indonesian Hospital does not have generators, water, and medicine to receive the critically ill patients. The WHO said the raid has completely incapacitated Kamal Adwan Hospital, with reports suggesting that its key departments are destroyed or severely damaged.
The UN in its report called the condition in northern Gaza a "near-total siege," estimated to be inhabited by as many as 10,000-15,000 civilians remaining there. The deliveries had already been highly restricted since October, and organizations such as Oxfam called the Israeli military out on what they said were "systematic obstructions" to humanitarian assistance.
Casualties and Ongoing Strikes
Adding to the tragedy, it was estimated by the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, that almost 50 people, which include five staff members of the hospital, were killed in the airstrikes near its premises. A pediatrician, a lab technician, their families, and two rescue paramedics who came for assistance after an early strike were among the many victims.
The Israeli military first said it was "unaware of strikes in the area of Kamal Adwan hospital," but then confirmed that an investigation is underway over the reported death of the hospital staff.
Global Reaction and Calls for Accountability
International attention has been raised over strikes against health facilities in this conflict zone. The World Health Organization condemned the attack and said that the complete destruction of the Kamal Adwan Hospital was a severe blow to the already fragile system for healthcare in northern Gaza. Humanitarian organizations renewed appeals for immediate protection for civilians and health workers while reiterating that unhindered access to medical supplies is vital for aid.
The forced evacuation of Kamal Adwan Hospital against a worsening conflict in Gaza is yet another reminder that international intervention is urgently required to tackle the deteriorating humanitarian situation and save innocent civilian lives.