ICRC: Gaza's healthcare system 'obliterated'
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The situation in Gaza has worsened significantly, with facilities like the Kamal Adwan and Indonesian hospitals now "completely inoperable."
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Ali al-Batran, a 20-day-old infant, lies in the intensive care unit with hypothermia at al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, Sunday, December 29, 2024. (AP)
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued a stark warning about the dire state of Gaza's healthcare system, particularly in the North, as "Israel" continues to ravage the Strip. On Monday, the Geneva-based organization described the region's health services as "obliterated," with key hospitals no longer functioning.
"Repeated hostilities in and around hospitals have obliterated the health care system in northern Gaza, putting civilians at an unacceptably grave risk of going without lifesaving care," the ICRC said in a statement. It urged all parties to respect and protect medical facilities, noting that such protection is both a "legal obligation and a moral imperative to preserve human life."
Completely inoperable
The situation in Gaza has worsened significantly, with facilities like the Kamal Adwan and Indonesian hospitals now "completely inoperable." These hospitals had already been struggling for months due to ongoing damage, threats to staff and patients, and limited resources. The al-Awda Hospital, one of the few still operational in northern Gaza, faces immense pressure as it attempts to handle the overwhelming influx of patients and displaced individuals seeking shelter.
Recent Israeli aggressions have exacerbated the crisis. Israeli forces conducted a large-scale raid on the Kamal Adwan Hospital over the weekend, resulting in its closure. The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) reported that approximately 20 Palestinians were killed, and 240 individuals identified as "terrorists" were apprehended during the operation. The World Health Organization confirmed that this left northern Gaza's last major hospital out of service and evacuated all patients.
Healthcare collapse
Since early October, Israeli operations have intensified in northern Gaza, with officials stating their aim is to disrupt Hamas' capabilities. However, the ICRC highlighted the catastrophic impact on civilians, noting, "No patient can expect their medical needs to be fully met today." It added that the combination of resource shortages, an influx of displaced civilians, and continuous aggressions has created an untenable situation for healthcare providers.
"The increasingly dangerous situation comes in addition to more than a year of insufficient provision of medical equipment and supplies, fuel, food, and specialized healthcare capacities," the organization said.
Read more: Gaza hospital director held in notorious Sde Teiman: CNN
Despite the dire conditions, the ICRC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting healthcare wherever possible. This includes advocating for the protection of medical staff and facilities, ensuring civilian access to healthcare, and assisting in the movement of medical personnel and supplies.
