In an alarming escalation of violence, Israeli military airstrikes and ground bombardments have struck Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, leaving it devastated and its staff severely injured. Described by the hospital’s director as a “catastrophic” attack, the barrage has resulted in significant destruction, further endangering the lives of civilians and medical personnel in the already war-torn region. This attack underscores the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where medical facilities, civilians, and emergency workers are increasingly under threat.
Kamal Adwan Hospital, a vital healthcare facility, has been bombarded continuously in recent weeks, with Israeli forces targeting it multiple times despite its role in providing care to civilians. This blog post explores the details of the recent attack, the escalating humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the international response to these devastating events.
A Catastrophic Attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, described the bombing as one of the most severe assaults on the facility since the conflict began. “It was one of the most difficult nights,” he said in a voice message to CNN, with the sound of explosions echoing in the background. The attack, which took place overnight from Thursday to Friday, saw Israeli forces drop bombs from quadcopters, severely damaging the hospital’s infrastructure.
The intensity of the bombardment shattered windows and doors, while water tanks were blown away, showing the sheer power of the strikes. Dr. Abu Safiya revealed that the attack had injured at least three medical staff, including one who had already been wounded multiple times prior.
Key points of the attack include:
- Heavy bombardment from Israeli ground and air forces
- Bombs dropped by quadcopters on the hospital
- Severe damage to the building, including destroyed windows and blown-out doors
- Injuries to medical staff, including repeated attacks on the same individuals
As the attacks continue, Dr. Abu Safiya described the situation as catastrophic, highlighting that the airstrikes and artillery shelling were occurring with unprecedented intensity.
The Ongoing Struggle for Medical Supplies and Care
Kamal Adwan Hospital, along with other medical facilities in northern Gaza, has been struggling to maintain operations under constant bombardment. Israeli airstrikes have hit the facility at least six times since early October, significantly disrupting medical services. Despite claims by Israeli authorities that Hamas uses hospitals for military purposes, Dr. Abu Safiya confirmed that the hospital has remained focused on providing emergency care to civilians and victims of the ongoing violence.
In addition to the physical damage to the hospital, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been exacerbated by the shortage of medical supplies, food, water, and fuel. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported that aid to northern Gaza has been severely restricted, with only a trickle of supplies reaching the area despite efforts by Israel’s aid agency, COGAT, to facilitate some relief efforts.
Key humanitarian challenges include:
- Severe shortages of medical supplies, including life-saving medications and equipment
- Lack of access to food, water, and electricity, further complicating the healthcare crisis
- Restrictions on humanitarian aid, limiting access to basic needs and emergency supplies
The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly called for humanitarian access to Kamal Adwan Hospital, which houses over 96 patients in critical condition, along with numerous medical staff. However, Israel has denied aid access on multiple occasions, making it difficult to provide the necessary care to those in dire need.
The Impact on Healthcare Workers and Civilians
As the bombardment continues, healthcare workers in Gaza face an unprecedented level of danger. Dr. Abu Safiya’s account of the attack is not unique: other doctors and nurses across Gaza have been injured or killed while trying to provide care under constant threat of aerial bombardment and artillery fire.
One recent casualty was Dr. Saeed Jouda, an orthopedic surgeon, who was killed on Thursday while travelling near Kamal Adwan Hospital. The Israeli military has yet to comment on his death, but it is part of a larger pattern of attacks on medical personnel in the region. A nurse was also killed recently while attempting to reach the hospital to assist with patients.
Challenges for healthcare workers:
- Increased risk of injury or death from bombings while working or travelling
- Emotional and physical exhaustion due to the relentless pace of work in dangerous conditions
- Limited medical supplies preventing the ability to treat all patients adequately
Despite these risks, many healthcare professionals remain committed to treating the wounded, underlining the heroic efforts of medical staff amidst overwhelming adversity.
Israel’s Military Actions and the International Response
Israel’s military response to the ongoing conflict has been marked by intense airstrikes and ground incursions, particularly in northern Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have justified these actions by claiming that Hamas has used hospitals and civilian infrastructure to carry out military operations. However, Hamas denies these accusations, and independent verification remains difficult due to the ongoing conflict.
The United Nations, humanitarian organisations, and international health bodies have strongly condemned the Israeli military’s targeting of healthcare facilities. The World Health Organization has called for immediate access to Kamal Adwan Hospital to deliver medical aid, while the UNRWA has warned that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse due to the lack of resources and continuous attacks on vital facilities.
Global Humanitarian Concerns
The situation in Gaza is dire, with over 4,000 Palestinians reported dead or missing since October 5, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence spokesperson, Mahmoud Basal. Thousands more have been injured, and the destruction of infrastructure makes it nearly impossible for emergency crews to reach those trapped under the rubble. Aid organisations are calling for immediate intervention to prevent further loss of life.
In addition to medical aid, the region requires food, clean water, and fuel to maintain essential services. The ongoing violence has led to a humanitarian blockade, preventing supplies from reaching civilians in need.
Conclusion: A Call for Immediate Action
The bombardment of Kamal Adwan Hospital is a devastating blow to the already fragile healthcare system in Gaza. With medical staff injured, patients at risk, and aid restricted, the situation is dire. Immediate international action is needed to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza’s hospitals and that healthcare professionals can work in safety.
As the conflict continues, it is essential that the international community works to facilitate humanitarian access and protect civilians and healthcare workers from further harm.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- World Health Organization – Humanitarian Response
- UNRWA – Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
- Israel’s Military Operations in Gaza
- Human Rights Watch – Gaza Health Crisis
- Gaza Civil Defence Updates
Photo credit: Anadolu Ajans
