Reports indicate that Israeli forces raided a hospital, resulting in extensive damage to various areas including the laboratory, surgical unit, and medical store. Dr. Abu Safiya, the hospital director, is believed to have been detained during the raid, with WHO losing contact with him. WHO is working to establish communication with him.
As part of escalating attacks, individuals were reportedly stripped and forced to march toward southern Gaza. Critically ill patients were relocated to Indonesian Hospital, which lacks the necessary resources to provide adequate care. WHO states that the relocation and treatment of patients under such circumstances pose significant risks to their well-being. A WHO mission is planned for Sunday to safely transfer these patients to southern Gaza for continued treatment.
Escalating attacks
WHO has described the raid as a part of the systematic dismantling of the health system, noting frequent attacks on health workers and hospitals in the region, with almost daily incidents happening over a two-month period. This week, bombardments in the area reportedly resulted in the deaths of 50 people, including five health workers from Kamal Adwan Hospital.
Despite the urgent need for emergency and trauma services and supplies, the deployment of international emergency medical teams has been consistently denied. Only 10 out of 21 planned WHO missions to Kamal Adwan Hospital were partially facilitated between early October and December.
Despite restrictions, successful WHO missions have delivered 45,000 litres of fuel, medical supplies, blood, and food. Additionally, 114 patients and 123 companions were safely transferred to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
