One of the last operational hospitals in northern Gaza has been forcibly evacuated by the Israeli military, according to medical staff, following deadly airstrikes that reportedly killed dozens in the vicinity of the healthcare facility.
Eid Sabbah, the head of nursing at Kamal Adwan hospital, revealed that around 7:00 AM on Friday, military personnel issued an order to the hospital administration, allowing only 15 minutes for the evacuation of patients and staff into an outdoor courtyard.
Dr. Sabbah indicated that Israeli troops entered the hospital to assist in relocating remaining patients. The Israeli military, however, stated it was “unaware” of any strikes occurring in the area and is investigating reports of casualties among medical personnel.
Dr. Sabbah expressed grave concern, particularly for patients in the intensive care unit who are comatose and reliant on ventilation; he noted that any movement poses a significant risk to their health. He emphasized that specialized vehicles would be necessary for transporting these vulnerable patients safely.
Currently, there have been no reports of injuries occurring during the evacuation process. The Israel Defense Forces have yet to respond specifically to the evacuation, although an official previously mentioned plans to transfer patients from Kamal Adwan hospital to a nearby facility already evacuated by the military earlier in the week.
This evacuation comes in the wake of dire reports from the hospital’s director, who stated that approximately 50 individuals, including five medical staff, lost their lives during recent Israeli airstrikes targeting the area. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya reported that an airstrike hit a building opposite the hospital, resulting in the deaths of a pediatrician, a lab technician, and their families. Another staff member, a maintenance technician, was killed while rushing to assist victims of the initial attack.
Additionally, two paramedics were reportedly struck and killed while 500 meters away from the hospital, with their bodies left in the street due to ongoing dangers in the area.
On Friday morning, the Israeli military reiterated its lack of awareness regarding any strikes near Kamal Adwan hospital and is currently following up on claims of staff fatalities.
The hospital, located in Beit Lahia, has been significantly affected by an Israeli blockade enforced in northern Gaza since October, which coincided with escalating military actions intended to disrupt Hamas operations. The United Nations has reported that the region is facing a “near-total siege,” greatly limiting humanitarian aid to approximately 10,000 to 15,000 people still present in the area.
In recent days, hospital officials have issued urgent pleas for protection, citing the facility’s repeated targeting by Israeli attacks. Aid organizations have reported that their attempts to deliver supplies have been thwarted by “deliberate delays and systematic obstructions” from the military, further exacerbating the crisis in the region.
