Wounded in Israeli strike, health condition of Kamal Adwan Hospital's director worsens

The health condition of Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, is worsening following injuries sustained during an Israeli drone attack on the facility.

Multiple media reports confirmed that Abu Safiya was wounded by shrapnel from a bomb dropped by an Israeli quadcopter drone as he was checking on patients in hospital corridors late on Saturday. 

The Israeli attack also injured at least a dozen people, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, who were inside the emergency and reception department of the hospital in northern Gaza. 

This came as occupying regime forces kept targeting the hospital with drone attacks and gunfire from Saturday afternoon until midnight.

The bombing directly and repeatedly targeted the entrance of the emergency and reception department, hospital courtyards, power generators, and gates. 

Israeli bombs also disrupted the power generator, oxygen, and water systems, and terrified the wounded, including children and women.

There were urgent warnings of a fire breaking out at the hospital following the attack.

In video footage circulating online, the renowned hospital director said he would "continue to provide care no matter the cost…it’s an honor for me to serve people that are still here." 

"We will continue to provide humanitarian care no matter what, we are steadfast, before the world which is unjust and has violated our rights. On a daily basis they [Israeli army] have violated our rights, targeted us, targeted our workers, targeted me…God willing I will heal and continue to provide care" he added. 

The prominent doctor and human rights defender has been giving regular updates on the healthcare situation in Gaza since Israel launched its campaign of death and destruction in the besieged territory in early October 2023.

He has repeatedly condemned Israel’s constant bombardment of medical facilities and hospitals.

The attack came just a day after Abu Safiya issued an urgent call for international organizations to intervene to end the intense Israeli siege on north Gaza. 

"Patients and medical staff at Kamal Adwan have been living in a catastrophic situation for over 40 days," he said on Friday.

"There are 86 wounded people who are currently besieged in the hospital, including children and women and they are receiving minimum health services. At least eight are in critical condition staying in intensive care, while 14 are in the children’s department," he continued.

Gaza’s healthcare capacity down by 70%: Health ministry

The ministry appealed to international organizations to “reveal the fate” of health personnel kidnapped by Israel.

Since early October, the Israeli army has placed the entirety of north Gaza under a full siege, not allowing anyone to enter or exit, while Israeli warplanes bomb it from above and ground forces carry out attacks.

Israel has also prevented ambulances, medicine, food and civil defense crews from entering the north, despite widespread calls to stop such violations and restrictions.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Abu Safiya called on the world to urgently intervene to provide surgical medical delegations, medical supplies, and ambulances.

"We demand international protection for our medical system and staff in the northern Gaza Strip to preserve the lives of patients and the injured who need humanitarian services around the clock, even with minimal resources."

Gaza health official warns of hospital shutdowns within 48 hours

A senior Gaza health official has warned all hospitals in the besieged territory will have to stop or reduce services within 48 hours.

The Health Ministry in Gaza recently warned that healthcare facilities in the war-wracked territory are nearing closure due to an acute fuel shortage for generators and a severe lack of medical supplies, caused by Israel’s heavy import restrictions.

Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 44,211 Palestinians and wounded over 104,567 since October 2023.

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