In besieged northern Gaza, three main hospitals under fire from Israeli forces

While tens of thousands of people, including six members of our team, are still trapped in the Jabaliya camp under daily bombardment, the three largest hospitals in this northern part of Gaza are under heavy Israeli attack. Health workers and patients are stuck inside, with no possibility of evacuation.

According to the Ministry of Health and health workers on the ground, Israeli forces are currently besieging and targeting Al-Awda, Kamal Adwan and Indonesian hospitals. More than 350 patients are reportedly trapped inside, including pregnant women and people who have recently undergone surgery. These patients require ongoing medical treatment and are unable to leave. “The escalation of violence and the continued Israeli military operations we have seen over the past two weeks in the northern Gaza Strip are having terrible consequences. It is absolutely crucial to ensure the protection of the few remaining functional health facilities,” says Anna Halford, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Gaza.

When hospitals are attacked, their infrastructure destroyed and electricity cut off, the lives of patients and medical staff are at risk. Hundreds of people in need of life-saving care have to be evacuated urgently because their lives are in danger. Basic necessities, including food, are in short supply.

"This is pure and simple collective punishment imposed on Palestinians in Gaza, who must choose between being forcibly displaced or being killed," Halford continued.

“Israel’s all-out war on Gaza seems endless. Israel’s allies bear a heavy responsibility for this dire situation, caused by their unwavering support for the war. They must immediately do everything in their power to secure a lasting ceasefire. Not tomorrow, not in a week. Now.”