Israeli forces launched another severe assault on Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the last operational medical facilities in northern Gaza, on Friday, forcing staff and patients from the premises under harrowing conditions amid claims of war crimes. The hospital has faced repeated attacks, and this latest incident raised alarming concerns about the treatment of civilians and the state of medical care across the besieged territory.
Eyewitness accounts from the Gaza health ministry revealed chilling details about the forced evacuation. Patients and medical personnel were compelled to assemble outdoors, stripped of their clothing to endure the cold winter weather. A hospital employee shared distressing updates during the ordeal, stating, “Fire is ablaze everywhere in the hospital,” and countless patients had been disconnected from life-support systems. “There are currently patients who could die at any moment,” the unidentified staff member warned, reflecting the dire state of care.
The events unfolded during Israel's broader military operations, which are reportedly targeting Hamas fighters who the military claims operate within the hospital premises. Yet, hospital officials and witnesses have vehemently denied these allegations. The Israeli military contends its actions are necessary to dismantle Hamas infrastructure following the group’s deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, which killed around 1,200 individuals and resulted in hundreds of abductions.
The sustained offensive has led to catastrophic disruptions across Gaza's health sector. Prior to the latest assault, airstrikes near the hospital had already claimed the lives of five medical staff according to reported estimates. The Israeli rights group Physicians for Human Rights-Israel raised alarms over the recent military actions and petitioned the High Court of Justice to halt attacks on the hospital, indicating, “Forcibly evacuate the hospital would abandon thousands of residents in northern Gaza.”
Since the onset of intensified conflicts, the humanitarian situation has drastically deteriorated. Over 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been displaced, with many forced to seek refuge in makeshift tent camps under harsh conditions and near freezing temperatures. The United Nations reported only four humanitarian deliveries allowed by Israeli troops from December 1 to December 23, cause for grave concern as food and medical supplies remain scarce.
For the thousands who remain near the hospital, fear and uncertainty have become daily companions. Many families have resorted to desperate measures, collecting plastic bottles to stave off the cold. Children, often barefoot, huddle for warmth under whatever shelter remains, challenged by the conditions of their new reality.
The international community has been urged to act against the reported atrocities. Hamas called for immediate action from influential nations and stressed the need for accountability. The group accused Israel and the United States of complicity, labeling the situation as genocidal. They criticized the silence of international bodies like the United Nations, which they assert have failed to protect civilians caught amid the turmoil.
With chaos engulfing the medical infrastructures, reports indicate continued assaults on hospitals have fueled anger among civilian populations and intensified calls for accountability. Legal and humanitarian organizations around the globe have begun advocating for the rights of those affected, emphasizing the need for immediate cessation of hostilities and protection of civilians.
The fallout from the movements of military forces has left grievous scars on Gaza’s health infrastructure and its beleaguered population. The handling of this crisis will undoubtedly shape the future for the entire region, highlighting the fragility of human life amid protracted conflict.
Overall, as the situation continues to intensify with no clear end in sight, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene. The lives of countless individuals depend on decisive actions now to prevent additional humanitarian disasters and uphold the fundamental principles of human rights within conflict zones.
