Israeli forces evacuated the Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last major functioning medical facility in northern Gaza, following reported strikes in the area that allegedly killed approximately 50 people, including medical staff.
According to Gaza health officials, the hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, and other medical personnel were detained during the evacuation on Friday. Before his detention, Dr. Abu Safiya reported that Israeli airstrikes near the hospital had resulted in multiple casualties, including five medical staff members.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated it was conducting an operation in the area, claiming the hospital was a “Hamas terrorist stronghold.” The military said it had “facilitated the secure evacuation of civilians, patients, and medical personnel” before beginning their operation.
Eid Sabbah, the hospital’s nursing department head, told the BBC that the military gave them approximately 15 minutes to move patients and staff to the courtyard before Israeli troops entered the facility. Patients were subsequently transferred to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which doctors describe as inadequate due to lack of power and water.
Gaza’s deputy health minister, Dr. Abu-Al Rish, described the Indonesian Hospital as “more of a shelter” than a hospital, noting its lack of proper equipment. Dr. Sabbah expressed concerns about moving critically ill patients, particularly those in intensive care requiring ventilation.
The World Health Organization reported that the raid had rendered “this last major health facility in north Gaza out of service”. It noted initial reports of severe damage to key departments during the operation.
IDF international spokesman Nadav Shoshani reported that a “small fire broke out in an empty building inside the hospital” but stated it occurred when IDF troops were not present and had no connection to their activities.
According to Dr. Abu Safiya’s statement, the casualties included a pediatrician and lab technician killed with their families when a building opposite the hospital was struck. A maintenance technician and two paramedics were also reportedly killed in separate incidents, with some bodies remaining unretrievable in the street.
The Israeli military initially stated it was “unaware of strikes in the area” and was investigating reports of staff casualties.
The hospital, located in Beit Lahia, has been under increasing pressure since October when the Israeli military launched an offensive in northern Gaza. The UN reports the area is under “near-total siege,” with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people remaining.
Hospital administrators had previously appealed for protection, claiming the facility had become a frequent target of Israeli military operations. Oxfam reported that aid agencies’ attempts to deliver supplies to the area since October have been uns
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