The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last major healthcare facility in northern Gaza, is no longer operational following an Israeli military raid on December 27. The incident has reportdely severely disrupted healthcare services in northern Gaza.
Israeli authorities claimed the hospital was being used by Hamas as a hideout, allegations that Hamas leadership denies.
The Gaza Health Ministry and the Civil Defense – the branches responsible under the territory’s Hamas government for health, emergency, and rescue services -, reported that Israeli forces detained the hospital director, Dr. Hossam Abou Safiya, along with dozens of medical staff, during the operation, in order to interrogate them.
According to the WHO, key hospital services were burned and destroyed in the raid, leaving 60 healthcare workers and 25 patients in critical condition. The Israeli military stated that civilians, patients, and staff were safely evacuated before the raid. However, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported forced evacuations under threat.
Iranian officials condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of international norms.