Israel’s recent military attacks on Gaza have resulted in a dire situation at the only major hospital in the northern Gaza Strip that provides specialized care for children. Dr. Husam Abu Safiyeh, the director of Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahiya, expressed concerns over the catastrophic situation as Israeli forces intensified their ground assaults and airstrikes in the region.
Despite an Israeli army order to evacuate all patients within 24 hours, Dr. Safiyeh explained that there are seven critical cases in intensive care that require immediate medical attention. Moving these patients would endanger their lives, as other medical facilities in Gaza are overwhelmed with similar cases. The hospital is also facing shortages of medical supplies and diesel for generators, leading to electricity and oxygen shortages.
The recent raids and strikes in Gaza have trapped hundreds of thousands of civilians, creating fast-deteriorating conditions. Furthermore, an Israeli strike on a school in Deir al-Balah resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, including women and children. The ongoing violence has left many families displaced and struggling to find safe shelter and basic necessities like food and water.
Despite evacuation orders issued by Israeli forces, many civilians in Gaza, including residents of Jabaliya, are unable to leave their homes due to intense fighting. Families like Heba Abu Habl’s have been displaced multiple times and are now facing dire circumstances with limited access to essential resources. The situation is exacerbated by the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system, with health facilities being deliberately targeted by Israeli forces.
The UN Palestinian refugee agency reported that at least 400,000 people are trapped in Jabaliya, with many refusing to evacuate due to safety concerns. The Israeli military justifies its actions as necessary to prevent further attacks by Hamas fighters, who continue to launch assaults on Israeli forces despite suffering losses.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant casualties, with over 42,000 deaths reported, the majority of whom are women and children. The destruction caused by the war has displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population, leaving millions of people in need of urgent assistance.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, humanitarian organizations and the international community are calling for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. The cycle of violence must be broken to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid and support the long-term recovery and rebuilding of Gaza.
