Official statements or reports from the World Health Organization

Israeli Forces Detain Over 240, Including Kamal Adwan Hospital Director, Amid WHO Concerns for 75,000 Palestinians

Dec 29, 2024, 06:08 AM

The Israeli military has concluded a three-day operation at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, the last major functioning health facility in the area. The operation resulted in the hospital being taken out of service, with the World Health Organization (WHO) expressing deep concern over the impact on the 75,000 Palestinians remaining in northern Gaza. During the raid, the Israeli forces detained over 240 Palestinians, including the hospital's director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, and dozens of medical staff. The Israeli military alleged that the hospital was used as a Hamas command center, a claim denied by Hamas. The WHO reported that parts of the hospital, including the laboratory, surgical unit, and medical store, were severely damaged and burnt during the raid. A total of 350 people, including patients and medical staff, were evacuated from the hospital, with 12 patients and a female health staff member forced to move to the non-functional Indonesian Hospital. Reports also indicate that some individuals were stripped and compelled to walk towards southern Gaza. The operation has raised concerns about the systematic dismantling of Gaza's health system and the safety of detained medical personnel, especially following an 80-day siege of the area. Nearly 50 Palestinians, including three medical staff, were killed in an Israeli airstrike near the hospital.