On Thursday, critical medical supplies were destroyed when the third floor of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza was bombed, according to the United Nations Secretary-General's spokesperson. The supplies, which had been delivered just five days prior by the UN in a joint mission with the WHO, were badly needed to support the hospital's operations.
The spokesperson highlighted the dire situation, stating that hospitals in the area are under assault, and rescue teams are unable to work due to personnel arrests and the confiscation of essential equipment, including ambulances and a fire truck. The destruction caused by the bombing has had a significant impact on nearly every area of the Gaza Strip in the north.
In response to the incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they were 'unaware' of a strike on Kamal Adwan Hospital but were reviewing the situation. The IDF claimed that Hamas had embedded terrorist infrastructure within the hospital, justifying their actions.
Kamal Adwan Hospital is one of three minimally operational hospitals in northern Gaza and plays a crucial role in treating casualties from nearby Israeli military activities in Beit Lahiya and the Jabalya Refugee Camp. Despite being targeted in a siege last week, the hospital continues to receive injured individuals from neighboring areas.
A recent report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted the challenges faced in providing humanitarian access to northern Gaza, which has been cut off from the south by Israeli forces. The report noted that access to essential supplies and services has been consistently hindered throughout September, exacerbating the already dire situation in the region.
