Gaza Hospital Evacuation Amid Israeli Ground Operation Threat

A woman sits on the curb next to her belongings outside the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Amid escalating tensions in Gaza, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, one of the region's last functioning medical facilities, has witnessed a significant decrease in patients as Israel has issued evacuation orders for nearby areas. While the military has not mandated the hospital's evacuation, fears of potential conflict or Israeli raids have prompted patients and sheltering individuals to leave.

Israeli forces have previously accused Hamas of utilizing hospitals for military purposes, leading to incursions into medical facilities. The current evacuation orders now encompass approximately 84% of Gaza's territory, displacing around 90% of the population. The situation has forced hundreds of thousands of people to seek refuge in overcrowded tent camps with limited public services.

Witnesses observed a stream of people leaving the hospital and surrounding regions, some carrying patients on stretchers or assisting sick children. The uncertainty surrounding access to medical care and safety has left many individuals distressed and unsure of their next steps.

Fears of conflict prompt patients to leave despite no mandate for hospital evacuation.

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah experiences patient decrease due to evacuation orders.

Israeli forces issue evacuation orders for 84% of Gaza, displacing 90% of the population.

Hundreds of thousands seek refuge in overcrowded tent camps with limited services.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported considering suspending wound care services following an explosion near the hospital that triggered panic and hastened the exodus. Despite the evacuation orders, the hospital continues to treat around 100 patients, including those in critical care.

The Israeli military clarified that the evacuation directives aimed to safeguard civilians and dismantle Hamas infrastructure in Deir al-Balah, emphasizing that hospitals and medical facilities were not included in the orders. However, past experiences have led to patient evacuations due to safety concerns.

The conflict, which began with a Hamas-led incursion into Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction. Hospitals in Gaza have been caught in the crossfire, with allegations from both sides regarding the use of medical facilities for military purposes.

Despite ongoing efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages, the situation in Gaza remains volatile. The limited functionality of hospitals, compounded by challenges in humanitarian aid distribution, has exacerbated health crises in the region.

For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's war coverage.