Devastating Assaults at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza Claim Many Lives: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds

In a harrowing turn of events, Israeli airstrikes and heavy ground gunfire near the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza led to dozens of casualties early Friday morning, according to the hospital's director. Situated in Jabaliya, this facility is one of the few operational hospitals left in northern Gaza, making it a critical refuge for the injured.

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya reported a terrifying series of airstrikes targeting the hospital's northern and western sides. Although the hospital itself suffered no direct hits, the subsequent gunfire inflicted devastating injuries and fatalities on those seeking safety outside its doors. As dawn broke, Dr. Safiya tragically noted the presence of bodies scattered on the streets adjacent to the hospital. Among those lost were four medical staff members, further deepening the crisis affecting healthcare provision in Gaza.

“The situation inside and around the hospital is catastrophic,” Dr. Safiya emphasized, as the Gaza Health Ministry shared his distressing account. He warned that medical supplies are running dangerously low, with hundreds of victims requiring immediate assistance—a claim that has yet to be independently substantiated.

While the Israeli military has not publicly commented on this specific attack, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn from the World Health Organization described the circumstances as chaotic. "There was intense bombing close to the building, followed by an armed assault by Israeli forces who instructed everyone to evacuate," he stated. This urgent command stoked fear and confusion, leading to a tragic increase in casualties.

The hospital did not receive an official evacuation order typically associated with airstrikes, raising questions about the procedures being followed. Around 4 a.m., as Israeli forces entered, many patients and staff panicked, and some attempted to escape by scaling the hospital's rear wall. Tragically, this act of desperation apparently resulted in further gunfire from Israeli troops, adding to the number of injured.

Kamal Adwan Hospital, nestled in the densely populated Jabaliya area just north of Gaza City, is one of the scarce medical facilities still functioning amidst the ongoing conflict. The Israeli military has previously accused Hamas of using the hospital for military purposes—a claim that local officials have consistently denied. Over the course of the ongoing 14-month conflict, military incursions into the hospital have been frequent.

In an alarming development, most hospital staff members were either detained or expelled by Israeli forces last month. The remaining medical personnel are overwhelmed, often having to care for over 100 patients with minimal resources. The evacuation order led by Israeli forces not only forced patients and staff to leave but also required each displaced person to have a companion to assist with evacuation—a decision that added to the chaos.

As morning arrived, Dr. Safiya described the grim scene outside the hospital where “hundreds of bodies and injured individuals” lay helplessly in the streets. Authorities struggle to provide clarity on the status of the deceased, as the distinction between combatants and civilians is often blurred in casualty reports.

Moreover, the violence sparked additional logistical challenges; Dr. Safiya revealed that oxygen generators at the hospital had been damaged, leaving only two inexperienced surgeons to attend to around 20 critically injured patients—an impossible task under the circumstances. A team of emergency medical surgeons from Indonesia, who had recently arrived, were among the first to be evacuated under duress.

Dr. Peeperkorn expressed deep sorrow over the situation, lamenting the loss of the Indonesian medical team shortly after their arrival. He described the abrupt end to their mission as "incomprehensible but also incredibly sad," highlighting the broader humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict.

As the situation evolves, global observers are calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance to prevent further loss of life and suffering for those injured in this tragic conflict. Will the international community respond to this dire humanitarian crisis? Stay tuned for updates.