Catastrophic Conditions in Northern Gaza Amid Ongoing Conflict
The humanitarian crisis in the northern Gaza Strip has reached catastrophic levels, according to Maher Shamiya, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health. For the past 15 days, the region has been subjected to what Shamiya describes as systematic Israeli genocide, with the Israeli army targeting key medical facilities. Despite the ongoing bombings, three hospitals – Kamal Adwan, Indonesian, and Al-Awda – are still partially operational, although they are facing dire shortages of medical supplies, fuel, and personnel.
Shamiya reported that the Israeli military struck the upper floors of Kamal Adwan Hospital early Saturday morning, leading to a complete power outage and panic among the 40 patients present at the time. The situation was similarly grave at Al-Awda Hospital, which also suffered direct hits. The Indonesian hospital faced additional challenges as its main generator was destroyed, resulting in the tragic deaths of two patients in the intensive care unit.
The hospitals are now at full capacity, with makeshift arrangements being made, such as using floor mats in the maternity ward to accommodate more injured patients. The severe shortage of medical staff, especially specialists, exacerbates the crisis, as only a handful remain to treat the influx of injured civilians. Shamiya emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to protect these civilian medical facilities from further attacks.
Urgent Call for International Action
The Ministry of Health in Gaza has reached out to international organizations, including the International Red Cross, urging them to intervene and protect hospitals from ongoing military actions. Shamiya highlighted that these medical facilities are civilian entities and should not be involved in the conflict. He called on the global community to raise their voices against the violence, stating, "We need everyone to raise their voices loudly and say enough to this madness."
The situation in northern Gaza remains critical, with the health sector on the brink of collapse as it struggles to cope with the overwhelming number of casualties and the lack of essential resources. The international community's response will be crucial in determining the future of healthcare in the region and the overall humanitarian situation.
