Escalating Humanitarian Crisis at Kamal Adwan Hospital
The situation at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza has reached a critical point as Israeli forces intensify their military campaign, now entering its 77th day. The hospital, a crucial healthcare facility for tens of thousands of civilians, is facing severe shortages of medicine, food, and water, compounded by ongoing shelling. Hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya reported that the hospital has been subjected to relentless attacks, including bombings that have targeted essential infrastructure such as the electricity generator and fuel tanks.
Dr. Abu Safiya received evacuation orders from the Israeli military, which he described as a potential catastrophe given that the hospital is the only one providing health services in the region. With 66 patients currently receiving care, the prospect of transferring them to another facility, such as the Indonesian hospital, poses significant challenges due to its lack of operational capacity and the dangers posed by the ongoing conflict.
Direct Attacks on Medical Facilities
Reports indicate that the intensive care unit at Kamal Adwan Hospital has been directly targeted, resulting in fires and further endangering the lives of critically ill patients. Dr. Mohammed Breik, an intensive care physician, condemned the attacks, emphasizing that patients on ventilators do not pose any threat. The targeting of medical facilities has raised serious concerns about the violation of international humanitarian law.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the tragic consequences of the violence, including the death of a young girl who was struck by a missile while attempting to fetch water. Additionally, there have been reports of bodies lying in the streets surrounding the hospital, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by those attempting to provide aid or bury the deceased.
Dire Conditions for Patients and Medical Staff
Inside the hospital, conditions are described as catastrophic, with patients suffering from severe health issues exacerbated by a lack of medical supplies and personnel. Many patients have developed infections due to untreated wounds, and some have died due to the absence of specialized care. The World Health Organization has attempted to deliver supplies, but access is severely limited, and many resources are confiscated at checkpoints.
The plight of medical staff is equally dire, as they grapple with personal losses while trying to provide care under extreme duress. The recent death of Dr. Saeed Joda, the last orthopedic specialist in northern Gaza, underscores the critical shortage of medical professionals in the area. As the situation deteriorates, calls for urgent international intervention grow louder, with many holding the international community accountable for the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
