Power Outages Plague Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza
Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, located in the northern Gaza Strip, is currently facing a dire situation due to prolonged power outages and a critical shortage of fuel. As the ongoing Israeli war drags on for over 10 months, many hospitals in the region have been forced to cease operations, leaving those still functioning to struggle with limited resources. The hospital's corridors are shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the faint glow of mobile devices, as medical staff resort to using their phones to conduct essential tasks such as writing reports and accessing patient data.
Ayman Zaqout, a patient suffering from renal colic, expressed his dismay at the hospital's conditions, stating, “I arrived at the hospital, but as you can see, there is no electricity or anything.” The dire situation is compounded by ongoing Israeli bombings and evacuation orders, making it increasingly difficult for patients to access medical care. With a population of 2.4 million already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, the risks to health and safety continue to escalate.
Medical Facilities on the Brink of Collapse
Doctor Mahmoud Abu Amsha, who works at Kamal Adwan Hospital, confirmed that the facility has had to announce the complete cessation of patient services due to the fuel shortage. “We have a shortage of oxygen, and the oxygen station has become completely stopped,” he stated, highlighting the critical state of medical care in Gaza. The hospital's reliance on solar energy is insufficient to meet the demands of patients, especially during times of crisis when injuries surge due to violence.
The situation is particularly alarming for premature infants and children in intensive care, who are at risk of cardiac arrest and death due to the lack of operational medical equipment. Al Awda Hospital in northern Gaza City is also struggling, with its acting director, Muhammad Salha, warning of the dire consequences if fuel supplies do not improve. “We announced two days ago that we would stop providing some services,” he said, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance.
Urgent Appeal for International Aid
The Ministry of Health in Gaza has launched an urgent appeal for help, citing hundreds of patients at risk due to the ongoing conflict and fuel shortages. The situation has reached a critical point, with only 16 hospitals able to operate partially, according to United Nations figures. The Ministry is calling on international organizations to take immediate action to protect hospitals, medical staff, and patients amidst this humanitarian disaster.
As the longest war in the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Fuel trucks are entering Gaza in limited quantities, failing to meet the overwhelming needs of the population. The international community must respond promptly to avert further tragedy and provide essential support to those in desperate need.
