Hospitals in Northern Israel Transition to Underground Operations Amid Conflict
As tensions escalate along Israel's northern border, hospitals in the region, including Rambam Hospital in Haifa, have initiated emergency protocols by relocating their wards underground. This strategic move comes as part of extensive preparations for potential conflict, ensuring the safety of patients and medical staff. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that several hospitals, such as Carmel, Ziv, and Galilee Medical Center, are now operating within protected areas to mitigate risks from ongoing hostilities.
At Rambam Hospital, patients began to be systematically discharged to facilitate the transition. The hospital plans to utilize its underground parking facility, converting it into a secure 1,200-bed hospital. Similarly, other facilities, like Emek Hospital, are evacuating upper floors and relocating to secure underground spaces. The Galilee Medical Center has already been functioning in protected areas since the conflict began, with all medical activities now taking place in secured zones.
The recent surge in violence has seen Hezbollah launching multiple waves of rocket fire into northern Israeli settlements, prompting a robust response from the IDF. The military has conducted extensive airstrikes targeting approximately 300 sites across Lebanon, aimed at neutralizing rocket launchers and preventing further attacks. The IDF claims that its interception systems successfully countered threats, ensuring that no significant damage occurred in Israeli territories despite the provocations.
In light of the escalating situation, non-urgent medical procedures have been canceled across northern hospitals, and outpatient clinics are temporarily closed. The Ministry of Health has urged residents to seek support from resilience centers and emergency psychological services to cope with the stress and trauma caused by the conflict. These centers are equipped to provide assistance in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for all affected individuals.
