On Friday, Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital, located on the northern edge of Gaza, as part of ongoing military operations. The evacuation involved 350 individuals, including 75 patients, their companions, and 185 medical staff. Witnesses reported parts of the hospital on fire, with claims that contact with hospital staff had been lost.
The Palestinian health ministry alleged that Israeli forces detained the hospital director, Abu Safiya, along with dozens of staff members.
Health Ministry Alleges Intentional Fire
Munir Al-Bursh, Gaza’s health ministry director, accused Israeli forces of deliberately setting fire to key hospital facilities, including the surgical department, laboratory, and a storehouse. Hamas echoed these accusations, calling Israel’s actions “crimes against humanity.”
In response, the Israeli military (IDF) stated that there was a small fire in an empty hospital building and denied claims of intentional harm, asserting they facilitated safe evacuations before the operation.
Casualties and Rising Tensions
Reports indicate Israeli strikes killed at least 25 people across Gaza on Friday, including 15 individuals in a single house in Gaza City. Kamal Adwan Hospital has been targeted multiple times during weeks of conflict in northern Gaza.
Health officials disclosed that five medical staff, including a pediatrician, were killed during earlier strikes on Kamal Adwan. The IDF stated it was unaware of these deaths but committed to examining the reports.
Humanitarian Crisis in Northern Gaza
The northern areas of Gaza, including Beit Lahiya, Jabalia, and Beit Hanoun, have seen significant displacement, with large parts systematically razed. Many speculate Israel may turn these areas into a buffer zone post-conflict.
Patients and staff evacuated from Kamal Adwan Hospital were redirected to the Indonesian Hospital, which had already sustained heavy damage and been rendered non-operational.
Conflict Background and Escalation
The ongoing war, triggered by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has left over 45,300 Palestinians dead and displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Israel stated the campaign aims to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure while ensuring future security control of Gaza.
Hamas holds Israel and the U.S. responsible for the worsening humanitarian crisis, while Israel accuses Hamas of using civilian infrastructure for military purposes.
