Health Crisis in Gaza: Kamal Adwan Hospital's Dire Situation
The ongoing conflict in the northern Gaza Strip has led to a catastrophic health crisis, particularly at Kamal Adwan Hospital. Patients and the wounded are suffering without adequate medical care or supplies due to the strict Israeli siege and continuous bombardment since October 5. The hospital, which is struggling to provide even the most basic services, has become a grim witness to the humanitarian disaster unfolding in the region.
Patients report extreme distress, with many relying solely on saline solutions for sustenance. A patient in his thirties lamented the lack of necessary medical interventions, stating that he requires platinum rods for his injury, which are unavailable. Another patient expressed despair over the absence of painkillers, saying, “I scream from the pain all night long.” The situation is exacerbated by the absence of medical staff, as volunteers are left to manage the overwhelming number of patients without proper resources.
The Role of Kamal Adwan Hospital Amidst Conflict
Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, described the health system as being in a state of disaster. He emphasized that the hospital is operating at minimal capacity, with no access to surgical specialists or ambulances due to the ongoing conflict. The hospital receives distress calls from those trapped under rubble from bombed buildings, but they are unable to provide assistance, leading to tragic outcomes. Abu Safiya noted that the situation is “painful and catastrophic,” with the hospital unable to respond to the urgent needs of the community.
Despite repeated calls for help from Palestinian officials to international organizations, there has been no effective response to the humanitarian crisis. The Israeli government has been accused of deliberately blocking the entry of medical supplies, food, and other essential resources into the northern Gaza Strip, exacerbating the suffering of its residents.
International Response and the Need for Humanitarian Aid
The international community has been urged to take action to alleviate the suffering in northern Gaza. Abu Safiya called for the breaking of the siege to allow humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and ambulances to reach those in need. He highlighted that the severe shortage of resources is leading to preventable deaths among patients and the wounded.
As the conflict continues, the plight of Kamal Adwan Hospital and its patients serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for humanitarian intervention in Gaza. The situation remains critical, with the health system on the brink of collapse and the lives of countless individuals hanging in the balance.
