The only functioning hospital in North Gaza has been evacuated following an urgent order from the Israeli military, effectively ending health services in the region. Al-Awda hospital in Jabalia endured relentless tank shelling starting around noon, leading to a critical decision to move patients after extended negotiations.
Dr. Mohammed Salha, the hospital director, explained that the evacuation was compelled by direct threats from Israeli forces, who warned that they might target the hospital if patients were not removed. Despite the complexities of transferring critically ill patients amid ongoing bombardment, hospital staff managed to carry patients over 300 meters through damaged roads to awaiting ambulances. Evacuees were transported to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, while some healthcare services are expected to continue at a primary health centre and possibly at a temporary shelter facility.
The hospital had been under a two-week siege, with severe damage to vital infrastructure and supplies. This evacuation means there are currently no functional healthcare facilities in North Gaza. Reports indicate that the majority of primary healthcare centres across Gaza are partially or completely non-operational, with only a fraction of UN-supported clinics remaining open.
Simultaneously, mounting international concern surrounds the crisis. The United Nations condemned the looting of medical supplies intended for malnourished children at a field hospital in central Gaza. Humanitarian organizations warn of an escalating famine risk confronting Gaza’s 2.1 million residents, exacerbated by ongoing blockade and restricted aid access. The UN describes Gaza as suffering from dire food insecurity.
In response to the worsening humanitarian situation, France’s President called for stronger international action to facilitate aid delivery. However, Israel denies accusations of imposing a humanitarian blockade, rejecting calls for easing restrictions on aid flow.
