GAZA: Israeli forces detained dozens of medical staff at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, Gaza. The Health Ministry reported that patients and hundreds of individuals were evacuated while medical staff, including director Hussam Abu Safiya, were detained. There was concern about Abu Safiya’s well-being after reports surfaced that he was allegedly beaten by Israeli soldiers during the raid.
Hospital Shut Down
The Israeli raid caused the hospital, one of the few remaining in northern Gaza, to halt operations. According to the World Health Organization, the hospital’s closure disrupted the last major health service in the region. Some patients were evacuated to Indonesian Hospital, though it remains out of service. Medical teams were unable to support the relocated patients.
Israeli Military’s Claim and Response
The Israeli military justified the hospital raid by claiming Hamas fighters were operating from the facility. Hamas has vehemently denied these allegations, calling them “lies” and insisting there were no combatants in the hospital. Following the raid, Israeli military officials began targeting locations in Beit Hanoun and northern Gaza.
Rising Civilian Casualties
The Gaza Health Ministry also reported that Israeli airstrikes over the weekend killed 18 Palestinians. Most fatalities came from a house strike in Maghazi camp. Israeli forces have stepped up efforts to clear northern Gaza’s towns, including Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, allegedly to create a buffer zone to block Hamas regrouping. Palestinian leaders have accused Israel of ethnic cleansing.
Context of Ongoing Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, sparked by the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, has caused significant civilian casualties. According to Gaza health officials, more than 45,400 Palestinians have died since the start of the war. Over 2.3 million people in Gaza have been displaced, and much of the region is in ruins.
Humanitarian Concerns and International Reactions
The closure of Kamal Adwan Hospital adds to the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where medical facilities are in high demand. While Israel insists it is targeting Hamas militants, concerns over the loss of civilian life and the destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure continue to grow.
