– At this moment, the occupation forces continue to violently bombard and destroy the Kamal Adwan hospital, attacking all parts of the hospital, reported the Gaza Ministry of Health on Monday afternoon.
The hospital is located in the town of Beit Lahiya, where residential areas have recently been exposed to several very bloody Israeli attacks with many civilians killed and wounded, according to both Palestinian sources and the UN.
Hospital director Hossam Abu Safieh describes the situation at the hospital as catastrophic.
– Unable to leave
– Several of our employees have been injured and we are unable to leave the hospital. We don’t understand the meaning of this bombing which targets the hospital, he says.
According to Safieh, the hospital was not contacted by the military before the attack began. According to AFP, the Israeli military has said that it is checking the messages. But in another statement on Monday, it is said that the soldiers continue to operate against what is referred to as “terrorist infrastructure” in the northern and central part of Gaza.
At the end of October, Israeli soldiers stormed the hospital, which led to the death of two children, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.
Apprehension of healthcare personnel
The Palestinian authorities have also reported that hundreds of medical personnel and some displaced Palestinians were arrested. Later, MSF confirmed that one of their doctors was among those arrested.
Israel launched an offensive against northern Gaza about a month ago. They then asked the entire civilian population to leave the area, but many stayed because they feared Israel would reoccupy the area and not allow them to return.
Israel has announced that the goal is to destroy Hamas and ensure that the group is no longer able to attack Israel.
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**Interview with Hossam Abu Safieh, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital**
**Interviewer:** Hossam, thank you for joining us. Can you describe the current situation at Kamal Adwan Hospital, particularly the impact of the recent attacks?
**Hossam Abu Safieh:** Thank you for having me. The situation is catastrophic. We’re under constant bombardment, and the hospital is being targeted directly. Our employees are injured, and we cannot evacuate. This violence against a medical facility is incomprehensible.
**Interviewer:** It has been reported that there was no communication from the Israeli military before the attacks. What does this mean for the safety of medical staff and patients?
**Hossam Abu Safieh:** It means we’re in grave danger. We expect hospitals to be places of safety, yet we find ourselves under threat instead. Attacking medical facilities goes against international law, and it leaves us in a precarious situation where we are unable to fulfill our duty to care for those in need.
**Interviewer:** There are also reports of apprehension of healthcare personnel. How does this affect your operations and the overall healthcare response in Gaza?
**Hossam Abu Safieh:** Apprehending healthcare workers only exacerbates an already critical situation. Many are afraid to work, which limits our capacity to treat patients. This creates a vicious cycle of fear and injury that affects everyone in the community.
**Interviewer:** The Israeli government states that their actions are aimed at destroying Hamas. How do you interpret this narrative from the perspective of healthcare?
**Hossam Abu Safieh:** We understand the complex political dynamics, but using hospitals as a battleground and disregarding civilian lives is not a solution. Healthcare should be separated from conflict; otherwise, innocent people bear the brunt of these decisions.
**Interviewer:** One last question, Hossam. What do you think the international community should do regarding the situation in Gaza?
**Hossam Abu Safieh:** The international community must advocate for the protection of civilians and healthcare facilities. There should be accountability for these attacks, and humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach those who are suffering. Silence is complicity, and we need voices to speak for the voiceless.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Hossam, for sharing your insights. Given this distressing account, what can readers do to help raise awareness or support those affected by such violence? Do you believe increased advocacy can lead to meaningful change, or are we witnessing a cycle of conflict that makes hope elusive?
