Hospitals in northern Gaza face dire conditions as they reach capacity and are targeted by Israeli attacks
The hospitals in northern Gaza are facing a severe crisis as the occupancy rate has reached an alarming 190 percent. The region’s health ministry spokesperson, Ashraf al-Qudra, has stated that the hospitals are now completely out of service. This dire situation has been exacerbated by Israeli attacks on medical facilities, including the destruction of parts of al-Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza. As the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies, the already strained healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse.
Al-Shifa Hospital targeted and patients held captive
Last week, Israeli forces bombed and destroyed parts of al-Shifa Hospital, where more than 700 people are still held captive under the siege by the Israeli army. The hospital was seized by Israeli forces who claimed to be searching for a Hamas tunnel network and command center. However, Hamas has denied these allegations. This attack has further worsened the already dire situation in Gaza, leaving the hospital unable to provide essential medical services to the wounded.
Evacuation of premature babies
In response to the deteriorating conditions, a group of 28 premature babies were evacuated from al-Shifa Hospital to Egypt on Monday. The Palestinian authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) facilitated this evacuation to ensure that these vulnerable infants receive the necessary treatment. This move highlights the desperation and urgency of the situation in Gaza.
Indonesian Hospital under attack
The Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza is also facing a critical situation. Approximately 120 people have been evacuated from the hospital to Nasser Medical Complex in the south of the Strip. However, there are still over 400 injured individuals inside the Indonesian Hospital, along with 200 medical staff and over 2,000 others seeking refuge. Al-Qudra has stated that those inside the hospital are in a “circle of death,” as the Israeli army targets anyone moving within or around the hospital.
Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities
The Israeli army’s attacks on healthcare facilities have had devastating consequences. The Gaza health ministry reported that at least 12 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in attacks on the Indonesian Hospital, which is funded by Jakarta. The WHO has documented 335 attacks on health complexes in the occupied Palestinian territory since the beginning of the Gaza war. These attacks have resulted in forced mass evacuations from hospitals and multiple fatalities and casualties among patients and their companions.
Dire conditions and shortages
The hospitals in northern Gaza and Gaza City are facing dire conditions due to power outages caused by a lack of fuel and ongoing Israeli attacks. These attacks have also led to severe shortages of water, essential medicines, and supplies. The WHO has highlighted the immediate risk faced by those with severe injuries and other medical emergencies due to the limited capacity of the Indonesian Hospital to provide basic services. The healthcare system in Gaza is on the verge of collapse, leaving thousands of Palestinians, including children and women, at risk.
Conclusion:
The situation in Gaza’s hospitals is dire, with occupancy rates reaching 190 percent and facilities being targeted by Israeli attacks. The already strained healthcare system is unable to cope with the influx of wounded individuals, leading to a desperate need for medical supplies, fuel, and international assistance. The international community must act swiftly to address this humanitarian crisis and ensure the protection of healthcare facilities and personnel in Gaza. The lives of thousands of Palestinians depend on immediate action to alleviate their suffering and provide them with the medical care they urgently need.
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