Israeli Forces Lay Siege to Three Gaza Hospitals: ‘We Are Being Attacked in Plain Sight’

Over the past week, Israeli forces have intensified their assault on three hospitals in northern Gaza that are struggling to operate, putting at risk the lives of patients, including premature infants, and healthcare workers within these facilities.

Dr. Husam Abu Safiya, the head of Kamal Adwan Hospital, reported in a recent video statement that Israeli troops have encircled the hospital, and projectiles have hit critical areas such as the intensive care unit, maternity ward, and surgery department.

Dr. Abu Safiya explained, “The nursery, maternity ward, and all other departments are under attack from the occupying forces using various weaponry, including snipers, tank shells, and drones.” He also mentioned that the hospital was still caring for over 80 patients.

According to a report from Al Jazeera on late Monday, a video captured by onlookers shows robots near the hospital deploying an explosive device.

The report added, “The individual who recorded the footage mentioned the presence of at least four robots near the hospital. Another video captured everyone gathered in a hospital corridor situated centrally, far from windows or balconies facing the streets where these explosives were placed.”

Israeli authorities have issued evacuation orders for Kamal Adwan, as well as Indonesian Hospital and al-Awda Hospital. However, staff and patients inside fear for their lives as they see no safe place to relocate.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza disclosed via a Telegram post that in recent days, Israel’s military targeted Kamal Adwan with explosives and tank artillery.

The ministry stated, “We hold the global community responsible for what is happening to us and demand accountability for our suffering. It is unacceptable for the world to watch silently, doing nothing to protect our healthcare system while we are attacked openly and barbarically.”

Since the Hamas-initiated attack on October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have relentlessly targeted Gaza’s already compromised healthcare infrastructure, according to a United Nations expert. This includes invading hospitals and cutting off essential supplies.

An Oxfam report released Monday revealed that only 12 trucks had managed to deliver aid in northern Gaza over the last two and a half months due to the ongoing siege and continuous military strikes. The report highlighted that only 11 medical evacuation and assessment missions were authorized for Kamal Adwan from early October to mid-December, with many being obstructed or unable to reach the hospital due to military activities.

Sally Abi-Khalil, Oxfam’s Middle East and North Africa director, described the situation as apocalyptic, noting, “People are trapped, unable to find safety, suffering from lack of food or shelter in the harsh winter. It’s appalling that despite the clear violations of international law by Israel and the use of starvation as a weapon of war, global leaders remain inactive.”

Abi-Khalil emphasized, “Each day without a cease-fire condemns hundreds more civilians to death.”

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) reported difficulties in evacuating the three northern Gaza hospitals due to continuous Israeli military strikes and a shortage of ambulances. The organization lost contact with Kamal Adwan Hospital early Sunday after a night of intense shelling, gunfire, and explosive robots targeting the area.

PCHR urgently called for immediate actions to protect patients and medical workers and to ensure the continued operation of the hospital in a region where thousands face bombardment, starvation, and lack of healthcare and humanitarian services.

The organization also criticized the ongoing military offensive by Israel and its indifference to international appeals to stop the atrocities in Gaza. It highlighted the role of the U.S. and some Western allies in providing Israel with continuous military, ammunition, and political support, which contributes to the grave violations against the Palestinian people.