A humanitarian disaster unfolds in Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital where only one doctor is left to care for patients following an Israeli raid that left the hospital destroyed and its medical staff largely missing.
Gaza's Medical Infrastructure Crumbles as Conflict Intensifies
Gaza's Medical Infrastructure Crumbles as Conflict Intensifies
Only one medic remains at Kamal Adwan Hospital amidst escalating violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza.
Only one medic remains at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza as humanitarian organizations struggle to assist patients after a significant Israeli military operation. Dr. Khalil Daqran, the lone doctor left at the facility, has called for urgent international support, revealing that patients are suffering and dying without essential medical care. Israeli forces claimed to have detained around 100 individuals labeled as "terrorists" during their operation; however, local health officials refute these claims, stating that the hospital had become a site of destruction.
The hospital, situated in Jabalia refugee camp, experienced extensive damage during the raid, which included the burning of key areas and the destruction of hospital entrances. Dr. Daqran reported that the military operation led to the assault of patients and medical personnel, leaving the fate of about 30 medical staff members uncertain. The IDF confirmed that its actions aimed to neutralize what it identified as a Hamas stronghold within the hospital, asserting that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties and facilitate evacuations. The military reported discovering weapons and funds linked to Hamas during its operations.
Moreover, tensions escalated with allegations from an individual identified as an ambulance driver suggesting Hamas was using the hospital to shelter militants. While the authenticity of this claim remains unverified, the situation in northern Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, drawing condemnation from international bodies, including the United Nations. Health officials warn of worsening humanitarian conditions as basic necessities such as food and clean water dwindle, compounded by a collapsing infrastructure.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk criticized Israel’s military operations for causing widespread suffering among civilians and hinted at potential crimes against humanity being perpetuated in the region. A worrying sentiment has arisen among Palestinians, who fear that Israeli strategies may aim at the total displacement of civilians as part of broader military objectives.
This complicated situation continues to evolve, following Israel's ongoing campaign against Hamas after the unprecedented terror attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides. With the conflict unresolved and humanitarian needs escalating, the plight of the civilian population in Gaza remains critical.
