Gaza’s final hospitals surrounded by Israeli forces
Two of the last operational hospitals in northern Gaza are surrounded by Israeli troops, effectively cutting off access to and from the facilities, according to hospital staff and aid workers. The move comes as Israel intensifies its renewed military campaign in the already devastated and humanitarian-stricken Palestinian territory.
The Indonesian Hospital and al-Awda Hospital are among the few remaining medical centres still functioning in the region.
Citing Arab World News, reports indicate that both hospitals, along with three primary health care centres, fall within a designated evacuation zone. However, Israel has not issued a direct order to evacuate the hospitals themselves.
“Israeli military operations and evacuation orders are stretching the health system beyond the breaking point,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The WHO has warned that hospitals in northern Gaza are “at a serious risk of shutting down completely.” The UN health agency has recorded nearly 700 attacks on health care facilities across Gaza since the start of Israel’s 19-month-long war with Hamas.
Throughout the conflict, Israeli forces have raided or besieged numerous hospitals, alleging that Hamas uses the sites for military purposes, including as command centres and to shield fighters – claims for which the Israeli military has provided only partial evidence.
Al-Awda Hospital, one of the two still operating, is currently sheltering around 47 patients – including nearly 20 children and several pregnant women – as well as about 140 doctors and medical personnel, according to hospital board member Shurafi.
He said the hospital’s leadership has chosen not to evacuate, calling instead for urgent delivery of supplies and the return of ambulances, citing ongoing airstrikes and a steady influx of casualties.
“In light of the war and conflict, it should remain functioning,” Shurafi said. He added that the hospital has endured multiple raids and sieges since the war erupted in October 2023, but described the current situation as “the most critical.”
On May 20th, Israeli troops reportedly opened fire on two ambulances that had transferred three patients to Gaza City. The crews were attempting to return to the hospitals when they came under attack, said spokesperson Khaled Alhelo. The Israeli military has yet to issue an official comment regarding the situation at al-Awda.
Arab World News/ Maghrebi.org
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