The Israeli military has ordered the closure and evacuation of Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the last partly functioning medical facilities in northern Gaza, further escalating the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn region. Dr. Husam Abu Safia, the hospital’s director, described the order as “impossible” to implement due to a lack of resources. The facility currently houses nearly 400 civilians, including newborns in critical care, whose survival depends on oxygen and incubators. Dr. Abu Safia appealed for urgent assistance, citing the shortage of ambulances and the unsafe conditions caused by ongoing military attacks.

Northern Gaza has faced relentless military operations for nearly three months as part of Israel’s 14-month-long offensive. Kamal Adwan Hospital has been under continuous bombardment, with reports of explosions, sniper fire, and tank shells targeting the premises. Despite claims by the Israeli military of providing fuel, food, and evacuation support for some patients, the hospital remains in dire straits. Staff are struggling to maintain critical services amidst the destruction, with no feasible way to safely relocate patients, especially those in life-support units.

The war in Gaza has led to devastating casualties, with over 45,000 Palestinians killed and more than 107,000 wounded since October 2023. The closure of Kamal Adwan Hospital marks another devastating blow to the already crippled healthcare infrastructure in Gaza. Humanitarian organizations have raised alarm over the catastrophic conditions, urging the international community to intervene and provide immediate relief to the civilians caught in the conflict.