The Israeli military has announced its withdrawal from the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza after a controversial raid that has caused outrage among health officials and raised serious concerns about the humanitarian impact on patients and medical staff in the region.
Israeli Military Withdraws from Gaza Hospital After Controversial Raid
Israeli Military Withdraws from Gaza Hospital After Controversial Raid
Withdrawal follows three-day operation amidst escalating humanitarian crisis
In a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, Israeli forces concluded their three-day incursion into Kamal Adwan Hospital on Monday, detaining close to 100 individuals suspected of militant activities, according to an Israeli military spokesperson. This operation, which unfolded after violent confrontations in the vicinity, has spurred fears and outrage amid reports from the Gaza health ministry that nearly all medical personnel were expelled or detained during the raid, resulting in a dramatic deterioration of conditions for patients.
The remaining medical staff at the hospital has been drastically reduced, with only one pediatrician reportedly left to oversee the care of the injured. The health ministry called upon international organizations to urgently deploy medical teams and urged residents with surgical skills to assist in treating the critically wounded.
Describing the circumstances, a spokesperson for the Israeli military stated no significant firefights occurred within the hospital but confirmed that they dismantled oxygen tanks to prevent potential explosives. Meanwhile, the health ministry alleged that patients had tragically succumbed due to a lack of power and medical supplies, with two children reportedly dying in intensive care as generators failed.
These operations are not a first for the Kamal Adwan Hospital. Last December, the Israeli military undertook a similar raid, leading to the detention of the hospital director. The current situation has been exacerbated as the health ministry reported systematic evacuations occurring over recent weeks in light of the military’s broad offensive against Hamas in northern Gaza.
The humanitarian ramifications of such military actions continue to prompt international scrutiny and calls for urgent aid to those in desperate need within the conflict-affected areas.
Aaron Boxerman contributed reporting from Jerusalem and Gabby Sobelman from Rehovot, Israel. Hiba Yazbek covers the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on Palestinian affairs and society in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel.
The remaining medical staff at the hospital has been drastically reduced, with only one pediatrician reportedly left to oversee the care of the injured. The health ministry called upon international organizations to urgently deploy medical teams and urged residents with surgical skills to assist in treating the critically wounded.
Describing the circumstances, a spokesperson for the Israeli military stated no significant firefights occurred within the hospital but confirmed that they dismantled oxygen tanks to prevent potential explosives. Meanwhile, the health ministry alleged that patients had tragically succumbed due to a lack of power and medical supplies, with two children reportedly dying in intensive care as generators failed.
These operations are not a first for the Kamal Adwan Hospital. Last December, the Israeli military undertook a similar raid, leading to the detention of the hospital director. The current situation has been exacerbated as the health ministry reported systematic evacuations occurring over recent weeks in light of the military’s broad offensive against Hamas in northern Gaza.
The humanitarian ramifications of such military actions continue to prompt international scrutiny and calls for urgent aid to those in desperate need within the conflict-affected areas.
Aaron Boxerman contributed reporting from Jerusalem and Gabby Sobelman from Rehovot, Israel. Hiba Yazbek covers the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on Palestinian affairs and society in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel.
