Israeli Forces Raid Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, Evacuate 350 and Set Facility on Fire

Dec 27, 2024, 10:53 AM

Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, on Friday, one of the last functioning medical facilities in the region. The military ordered the evacuation of 350 people, including 75 patients and 185 medical staff. The hospital was set on fire by the Israeli forces, with flames spreading to the operating rooms, surgery departments, laboratories, maintenance areas, and ambulance units. The Gaza Health Ministry reported losing contact with the hospital staff as the fire engulfed the facility. The Israeli military claimed the hospital was a Hamas stronghold and stated that efforts were made to facilitate the secure evacuation of civilians, patients, and medical personnel before the operation. The raid follows a series of attacks on the hospital, including an airstrike on Thursday that killed five medical staff members.