Gaza Healthcare System Collapses as Final Hospital Evacuated Amidst Israeli Military Orders

The al-Awda hospital in Jabalia was evacuated on Thursday evening following warnings from Israeli forces that failure to do so would result in dire consequences for patients and staff. Dr. Mohammed Salha, the hospital's director, expressed profound sorrow over the necessity of this evacuation after weeks of military siege, stating that the lack of a healthcare facility in the northern region presents a critical danger to residents' health and wellbeing.

Dr. Salha reported that following intense bombardment and rapid military actions, both patients and medical staff were forced to evacuate in a precarious situation. Ongoing hostilities had already inflicted multiple damages to the hospital, making it increasingly unsafe for operations. The World Health Organization and various humanitarian charities have condemned the closure, describing it as a grave blow to the healthcare system in Gaza.

Dr. Salha indicated that patients were relocated to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City as the only viable option remaining. Amidst the crisis, there are efforts to continue some medical services, though the situation remains dire. The World Health Organization has called for international protection of healthcare facilities and denounced any attacks on hospitals as unacceptable.

Meanwhile, the region continues to grapple with a humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by ongoing military actions and a significant blockade limiting access to aid, as international calls for increased humanitarian support grow louder.