Amid escalating tensions in northern Gaza, Palestinian health care workers are facing a dire situation as they are ordered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to evacuate hospitals in the region. The IDF has instructed three hospitals – Kamal Adwan, Al-Awda, and the Indonesian Hospital – to evacuate within 24 hours, citing safety concerns.
Dr. Hussam Abu Saifiya, director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital, expressed the challenges faced by medical staff and patients, stating that there is 'no safe way' to leave and 'nowhere to go.' The IDF's directive, delivered in threatening language, has left the hospital staff and patients in a state of uncertainty.
Dr. Abu Saifiya highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that Israeli tanks are approaching the hospital, and the sounds of explosions are becoming more frequent. With over 54 patients, including children, requiring treatment at Kamal Adwan Hospital, the need for a safe transfer to other medical facilities is paramount.
Similarly, Mohammad Salha, acting director of Al-Awda Hospital, emphasized the commitment to providing medical care to patients in need, including those undergoing critical procedures like cesarean sections. The reluctance to evacuate stems from the concern that without medical staff, essential healthcare services will be severely compromised.
Doctors Without Borders and the Ministry of Health in Gaza have raised concerns over the impact of the evacuation orders on the already strained healthcare system in the region. The imminent evacuation poses a significant challenge in ensuring continuity of care for patients who rely on these hospitals for treatment.
The situation underscores the complexities of providing healthcare in conflict zones, where medical facilities and personnel are caught in the crossfire of military operations. The international community is urged to intervene and ensure the safety and well-being of both patients and healthcare workers in Gaza.
