The last functioning intensive care unit at a hospital in northern Gaza has been severely damaged by Israeli shelling, according to medical staff at the facility. The staff have been urgently requesting a halt to violence to allow for the delivery of essential supplies.
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital located in Jabaliya, reported on Thursday that an Israeli tank shell struck the intensive care unit, resulting in a fire and significant damage. This unit was the only one still operational for both children and adults in northern Gaza.
The Israeli military has stated it was “not aware of any strike or shooting toward the I.C.U. in Kamal Adwan Hospital” and is investigating potential fighting in the area. Israel has previously accused Hamas of using the hospital as a base, a claim that hospital staff and Gaza health officials deny.
Dr. Abu Safiya emphasized the urgent need for repairs related to water and oxygen supplies, stating that they have not received any assistance thus far. He appealed to the international community to establish a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the entry of medical supplies, equipment, and ambulances.
Kamal Adwan Hospital has been situated in the midst of an ongoing Israeli military offensive against Hamas in northern Gaza, which has persisted for over two months.
In a previous statement, Dr. Abu Safiya expressed frustration at the lack of action, saying, “We have been addressing the world for over 75 days, and yet nothing is being done.” He described the previous day as one of the darkest and most challenging, noting that tank shells ignited a fire in the intensive care unit, necessitating the rapid evacuation of patients. He also mentioned that the isolation ward was completely destroyed in the fire.
Israel claims its offensive aims to dismantle a regrouped Hamas presence in the region. The ongoing fighting, particularly in Jabaliya and surrounding areas, has resulted in thousands of fatalities and displaced over 100,000 residents, according to United Nations reports.
Kamal Adwan Hospital has been overwhelmed with casualties throughout the military offensive. A World Health Organization team visited the hospital this week, delivering fuel, food, and medicine amidst ongoing hostilities. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the WHO, described the hospital's conditions as “simply appalling,” noting that recent attacks have further compromised oxygen supply and other critical infrastructure.
This week, Israeli airstrikes targeted eight buildings near the hospital, causing additional casualties, according to Dr. Abu Safiya. The Israeli military has previously conducted raids on Kamal Adwan, detaining or expelling most of the hospital’s staff during a prolonged operation in October.
Nurse Hashem Abu Wardeh reported the challenging conditions faced by the medical staff, who are attempting to care for numerous wounded individuals with limited supplies amid relentless shelling and gunfire. He indicated that only a few doctors and nurses remain at the hospital, often tending to over 100 patients simultaneously, with displaced families also seeking shelter there.
Mr. Abu Wardeh highlighted the critical damage to gas, water, and electricity lines supplying the hospital, stating, “The situation is very difficult and a lot of people are in pain, including children. We can’t bear it. We just want mercy.”