All hospitals in northern Gaza devastated amid Israeli siege

Israel’s continued military offensive in Gaza, which intensified recently, has led to severe disruptions in healthcare services. The Hamas-run health ministry indicated that after the destruction of Beit Hanoun Hospital and Kamal Adwan Hospital, all public hospitals in northern Gaza are now non-operational. This situation arose in the context of Israeli forces besieging the last functioning Indonesian hospital in Beit Lahia, thus preventing entry for patients, medical staff, and necessary supplies. The actions compound the already dire humanitarian crisis affecting civilians caught in the conflict. In addition to the operational challenges faced by hospitals, staff members report isolating circumstances wherein two of the last operating hospitals are encircled by Israeli troops, which hinders any movement in and out of these facilities. Although hospitals are located within an evacuation zone, there has been no formal order to evacuate these critical health care centers. The World Health Organization has raised concerns about the risk of total shutdown for hospitals in northern Gaza, citing nearly 700 documented attacks on healthcare facilities since the start of the recent conflict. This persistent targeting significantly complicates medical assistance and exacerbates the humanitarian plight. The situation is further highlighted by the ongoing threat to healthcare infrastructure as Israeli military operations continue. Reports indicate that ambulances carrying patients have been targeted, preventing them from returning to hospitals after delivering care. A spokesperson emphasized the reality that many medical teams, including doctors and emergency responders, are trapped or unable to provide care due to active military operations. This compounded threat to healthcare has left many patients in precarious situations with limited access to urgent medical assistance. The broader context involves the devastating impact of the Israeli military campaign on the civilian population of Gaza, which has suffered tremendous losses. According to the health ministry figures, the civilian toll has surpassed 53,000 individuals since the fighting resumed. Medical facilities, which should be sanctuaries for the wounded, have instead become frontline sites facing bombardment. The ongoing conflict has sparked international debate over the conditions faced by civilians and the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid amid ongoing hostilities.