Dr. Khalil Daqran, the sole medic at Kamal Adwan Hospital, has issued an urgent plea for international medical assistance as the facility struggles to provide care amid the aftermath of Israeli raids. The situation in northern Gaza continues to deteriorate, with widespread claims of violence and resource shortages.
Severe Strain on Gaza's Medical Facilities Amid Ongoing Conflict
Severe Strain on Gaza's Medical Facilities Amid Ongoing Conflict
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Gaza’s Kamal Adwan Hospital faces critical resource depletion following Israeli military operations that left only one doctor on site.
Only one doctor remains at Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital, calling for urgent medical assistance while the facility grapples with the aftermath of Israeli military incursions. Dr. Khalil Daqran, spokesperson for the Hamas-operated hospital, revealed dire conditions in a video statement, indicating that patients are "bleeding to death" due to insufficient medical care. The Israeli military stated it detained around 100 "terrorists" during a recent operation at the hospital before withdrawing, a claim that local health officials have disputed.
According to Dr. Daqran, the Israeli forces conducted extensive damage within the hospital, setting sections ablaze, wrecking entrances, and destroying walls. He reported that medical staff and patients were assaulted during the raid, leading to the arrest of most healthcare workers. The whereabouts of 30 remaining medical personnel are still unknown.
Following the military action, the hospital has been rendered completely non-functional, lacking essential medicines, supplies, and food. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), however, claimed to have executed a "precise operation" against a Hamas stronghold located in the hospital. They reported seizing weapons, cash, and documents affiliated with Hamas, including accusations that militants disguised themselves as medical staff.
The raid resulted in injuries to medics and fatalities among patients, prompting further despair among healthcare providers. A video released by the Israeli army purportedly shows the interrogation of an ambulance driver, alleging Hamas militants operated within the hospital and utilized ambulances for their operations.
As conditions in northern Gaza further worsen, concerns grow over a humanitarian crisis as hundreds of thousands of civilians find themselves in dire straits. Dr. Daqran highlighted horrific living conditions plagued by water shortages, food scarcity, and pervasive waste problems that have led to potential health crises.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the situation, asserting that the Israeli military is causing collective punishment to the civilian population through bombings and sieges. He expressed alarm over the potential for atrocities against the Palestinian populace, compounded by the presence of armed groups within civilian areas.
The conflict, reignited after Hamas's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in a staggering death toll of over 42,000 people in Gaza, as Israel continues to pursue a campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas amidst fears that a strategic plan could lead to the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians.
