Israeli troops have stormed the Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northernmost part of Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry. The hospital has been repeatedly targeted over the past three months during Israeli offensives against Hamas fighters in the area. The health ministry reported that a recent strike on the hospital resulted in the deaths of five medical staff.
Israel's military stated that it was conducting operations against Hamas infrastructure and fighters in the vicinity of the hospital but did not provide specific details. The military alleged that Hamas fighters were operating inside the hospital, a claim that hospital officials have denied.
During the raid, medical personnel and patients were forced to assemble in the hospital yard and remove their clothes despite the winter temperatures. Some patients were transferred to a nearby hospital, while others were taken to an unknown location. The health ministry reported that fires were set in various parts of the hospital, endangering the lives of patients and staff.
Since October, Israel's offensive has severely restricted access to essential supplies in the northern Gaza areas, including the locations of Kamal Adwan and two other hospitals. The U.N. has expressed concerns about the potential for famine in the region due to the lack of aid deliveries.
Israeli rights groups have petitioned for a halt to military attacks on Kamal Adwan, warning of the dire consequences for residents in northern Gaza. The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll on Gaza's health sector, with thousands of Palestinians killed or injured and many more displaced from their homes.
Israel launched its campaign against Hamas over a year ago in response to attacks on southern Israel, resulting in a high number of casualties on both sides. The situation remains volatile, with thousands of Palestinians caught in the crossfire and facing dire humanitarian conditions.
