WHO issues a warning regarding the dire conditions at Gaza’s Kamal Adwan hospital, amidst ongoing Israeli attacks
The World Health Organization has characterized the situation at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza as "appalling," following relentless Israeli strikes that have severely impacted the medical facility.
In a statement issued via X on Monday, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced that a humanitarian team successfully gained access to a hospital over the weekend. The team had previously been denied entry to the facility by Israeli authorities on four occasions in the preceding week.
The team successfully transported fuel, food, and medical supplies to the hospital located in Beit Lahia, despite ongoing hostilities and explosions in the surrounding area, he stated.
According to Ghebreyesus, the most recent assaults by the Israeli military have inflicted additional damage on the oxygen supply and generators, as well as caused the destruction of windows and doors in the patients’ rooms.
The situation within the hospital has deteriorated to alarming levels, prompting urgent calls for the safeguarding of healthcare facilities. Advocates are demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a ceasefire to halt the ongoing crisis.
Two months prior, Israel escalated its offensive operations in the northern Gaza Strip, effectively isolating the area from the rest of the territory and significantly restricting the entry of humanitarian aid.
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, reported that the Israeli military has consistently targeted the hospital, firing upon the facility every day. Since the beginning of October, the medical center has experienced at least six raids carried out by Israeli forces.
Previous reports indicated that quadcopter drones had deployed a minimum of 10 explosive devices on the hospital. The facility currently accommodates more than 50 individuals requiring medical assistance, including patients in intensive care.
The Quds News Network has reported that the hospital’s power supply has been disrupted following a series of Israeli strikes.
On October 7, 2023, Israel launched a military offensive on the Gaza Strip following a significant operation by the Palestinian Hamas group. This escalation came as a response to alleged intensified actions by Israel against Palestinians.
According to reports, the Israeli government has been involved in actions resulting in the deaths of at least 45,028 Palestinians, primarily women and children, and injuries to 106,962 individuals.
Israel’s military operations have struck several hospitals in Gaza, causing significant damage to key healthcare facilities. This action raises grave concerns over potential violations of international law, with some observers deeming it a possible war crime.
