Israel’s military encircles last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza: report
Israel’s military has encircled two of the last functioning hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip, causing concern among staff and aid groups. The World Health Organization has warned that the military activity is “stretching the health system beyond the breaking point.”
Israeli military spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee, announced that forces from the 401st Brigade and the Givati Brigade, under the command of the 162nd Division, have begun operating in the northern Gaza Strip. The objective is to return kidnapped soldiers and defeat the terrorist group Hamas. The Indonesian hospital and al-Awda hospital are among the only surviving medical centers in the region, according to the Associated Press.
As part of the military operation, Israeli authorities issued evacuation orders for large parts of northern Gaza to pressure Hamas to release hostages. Both hospitals, along with three primary health care centers, are within the evacuation zone. The World Health Organization’s director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed concern that the military operations and evacuation orders are overwhelming the health system.
The Indonesian hospital has been under surveillance by Israeli drones, and there have been reports of airstrikes targeting the hospital’s generators, causing a fire and damaging the main power supply. One staff member was killed, and remaining patients are in urgent need of water and food. The U.N. is working to transfer patients to other facilities.
The al-Awda hospital has also been targeted by Israeli drones, preventing movement in the courtyard. Ambulances attempting to transfer patients have been fired upon. About 47 patients, including children and pregnant women, are still at the hospital, along with 140 doctors and medical staff.
Israel has begun allowing a limited amount of food and medicine into the Gaza Strip after more than 2 1/2 months of sealing off imports. However, delays caused by Israeli military procedures have prevented the distribution of aid.
The situation in the northern Gaza Strip remains tense as the military operation continues. Aid groups are working tirelessly to provide care for patients amidst the chaos. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
