Reports from international news agencies and statements from humanitarian organizations

Israeli Forces Besiege Gaza Hospitals, Cut Power; Patients and Staff Trapped Under Fire

Oct 19, 2024, 03:55 AM

Israeli forces have surrounded and shelled the Indonesian Hospital and Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, according to medical staff and health authorities. The Director of the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan, reported that Israeli tanks have besieged the hospital, cut off electricity, and bombarded the upper floors with artillery shells targeting the second and third floors. Heavy gunfire has been heard inside and around the facility. Medical teams are unable to operate, and patients and staff are in serious danger, with wounded patients dying due to lack of treatment. More than 40 patients and medical staff remain inside the Indonesian Hospital, where panic is spreading. Similar attacks have been reported on Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia, where injuries among medical workers have occurred. Hospitals in the Gaza Strip are overwhelmed, lacking capacity to treat the injured, and are operating on a priority basis. The ongoing attacks have raised concerns for the safety of patients and medical personnel, and the ability to provide critical medical care.