Israeli troops stormed and set fire to one of the last hospitals operating in northern Gaza on Friday, igniting flames and forcing many staff and patients outside, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. This incident at Kamal Adwan Hospital, which is located in the town of Beit Lahiya, has drawn significant attention amid the deeply troubling humanitarian crisis caused by the prolonged conflict.
The health ministry reported on social media and various news outlets, stating, "Fire is ablaze everywhere in the hospital," as emergency conditions intensified for those inside. Staff members were forced to strip and assemble outside under harsh winter temperatures, adding to the chaos and danger. "These actions put the lives of all of these people in even more danger than what they faced before," noted UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay.
Israel's military, the IDF, claimed the operation was part of their intelligence operations against alleged Hamas fighters taking refuge within the facility, asserting there were no troops physically inside the building when the fire broke out. They stated the hospital was used as cover by terrorist operatives, though no verifiable evidence has surfaced to support these accusations.
Kamal Adwan Hospital has been subject to several military interventions since October, when the conflict escalated dramatically. The hospital was already overwhelmed following relentless airstrikes, which have reportedly resulted in high casualties and destruction across Gaza. Earlier on the same week, prior airstrikes tragically killed five medical personnel working at the hospital, which is now one of very few still operational amid the deteriorated healthcare system.
According to the Health Ministry, out of the once 75 patients and 180 staff, only 25 patients and 60 healthcare workers remained during the fire incident. Meanwhile, many patients were evacuated to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which itself had already been rendered non-functional following previous attacks.
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital's director, expressed deep concern over the continuous assaults, declaring on Instagram: "The Israeli army is burning all the operating departments in the hospital" as medical staff continued to work under perilous conditions. Many patients were reported unhooked from life-support systems during the chaotic evacuations, raising alarming concerns as the resources within Gaza have been severely restricted.
This incident is set against the larger backdrop of Israel's intensive military campaign against Hamas, which they launched following the group's attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in nearly 1,200 deaths. Since then, over 45,000 Palestinians have been reported killed due to Israeli aerial bombardments, according to various local health officials.
International rights organizations have condemned Israel for systematic attacks on Gaza's healthcare infrastructures and have highlighted the dire need for humanitarian access. The growing number of casualties among healthcare professionals and patients only amplifies the chilling impacts of warfare on civilian lives.
The situation surrounding Kamal Adwan Hospital underlines the broader catastrophe occurring within Gaza and sheds light on the urgent need for intervention and relief efforts. The continuous offensive has all but destroyed much of the region's healthcare framework, leaving thousands without adequate medical attention.
With winter temperatures dipping and families displaced from their homes, the challenge of accessing necessary aid becomes even more acute. The international community’s response to this humanitarian crisis is of utmost importance, and the recent escalation raises questions about the protection of civilians and medical facilities under international law.
Israel's military operations have raised ethical and legal concerns, prompting discussions about accountability and the protection of vulnerable populations during armed conflict. Without immediate international cooperation and intervention, the situation is only expected to worsen, leading to irrevocable safety and human rights violations.
With the future of Gaza's healthcare system hanging by a thread, the persistence of such conflict-related incidents highlights the urgent need for dialogue and resolution, promoting peace and stability within the region.
