Israel’s Destruction of Gaza’s Sole Cancer Hospital: A Critical Update

Israeli Forces Advance in Gaza,Reportedly Destroying Cancer Hospital

By Archyde News

Published: March 23,2025

Gaza’s Cancer Care Crippled as Hospital reportedly Destroyed

Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip intensified on Friday,March 21,2025,with reports emerging of the destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital,gaza’s only specialized cancer treatment facility. The facility, also known as Al-Jazeera Hospital, served approximately 30,000 cancer patients annually. The incident raises serious concerns about the impact of the ongoing conflict on the already fragile healthcare system in the region.

Like Hurricane Katrina’s impact on New Orleans’ Charity Hospital, a vital safety net for the city’s poor, the reported destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital cuts off a critical lifeline for vulnerable patients. In both cases, the loss of infrastructure has far-reaching consequences for public health and access to care.

The Israeli military has stated that the hospital was being used as “terrorist infrastructure,” a claim that has not been independently verified. According to a al Jazeera report, the attack on the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital on Friday (March 21), has effectively left thousands of cancer patients in the region without access to treatment.

Eyewitness Account Reveals Damage

Dr. Zaki Al-Zzzouq, Head of the Hospital Oncology Department, provided a firsthand account of the damage following a ceasefire visit. He stated, “I cannot imagine what can be obtained from the bombing of a hospital that is a savior for so many patients,” in a statement issued by the Medical Aid for Palestinians aid group.

Dr. Al-Zzzouq’s statement reflects the frustration and despair felt by many healthcare professionals in conflict zones. Similar to stories from doctors in war-torn Syria or Ukraine, it highlights the ethical dilemmas and emotional toll they face when medical facilities become targets.

Wider Implications and Human Rights Concerns

The destruction of the hospital adds to a growing list of damaged or destroyed medical facilities in Gaza. Human rights groups and United Nations experts have voiced concerns that these actions might potentially be part of a larger pattern. Some are even alleging a “genocide policy,” aimed at displacing Palestinians from the area. these are serious accusations that demand thorough investigation and accountability.

“I cannot imagine what can be obtained from the bombing of a hospital that is a savior for so many patients.”

Dr. Zaki Al-Zzzouq, Head of the Hospital Oncology Department

The destruction of medical facilities is a violation of international humanitarian law. The Geneva Conventions, specifically, protect hospitals and medical personnel during armed conflicts. Targeting these facilities undermines the basic principles of humanity and endangers the lives of civilians.

Casualty Reports and Regional Tensions

Reports indicate that approximately 600 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched a wave of airstrikes before dawn on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. These strikes occurred during Ramadan,a holy month for Muslims,adding to the sensitivity and complexity of the situation. The increased violence further inflames tensions in the region and complicates efforts to find a peaceful resolution.

The timing of the strikes during Ramadan is particularly significant. Ramadan is a time of increased religious observance and community gatherings.Attacks during this period can be seen as especially provocative and can fuel further resentment and radicalization.

Potential Counterarguments

While the Israeli military claims the hospital was being used for terrorist activities, critics argue that such claims require self-reliant verification.Even if there were militant activities in the vicinity, the principle of proportionality dictates that attacks should not cause excessive harm to civilians or civilian infrastructure. Destroying a vital cancer hospital, critics say, would likely violate this principle.

Moreover, the use of hospitals for military purposes is a violation of international law. Though, accusations of such use require clear and convincing evidence, which has been lacking in this case.

A Call for Investigation & Intervention

Independant investigations into the events surrounding the destruction of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital are urgently needed.International organizations and governments must demand accountability and ensure that those responsible for violations of international law are brought to justice. The United States, as a major diplomatic player in the region, has a duty to press for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The situation in Gaza demands immediate attention and a concerted effort to protect civilians and preserve the remaining healthcare infrastructure. Failure to do so will have devastating consequences for the people of Gaza and for the prospects of peace in the region.

-Can the international community ensure self-reliant investigations occur regarding those responsible for hospital destruction?

Interview: Gaza Hospital Destruction and the Impact on Cancer Patients

by Archyde News

Published: March 23, 2025

interview with dr. Sarah El-Masri, humanitarian Aid Specialist

Archyde News: Dr. El-Masri, thank you for joining us. Reports indicate that Gaza’s only specialized cancer hospital,the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital,has been destroyed. As a humanitarian aid specialist, what is your immediate reaction to this news?

Dr. El-Masri: Thank you for having me. My immediate reaction is one of deep sorrow and outrage. The destruction of a cancer hospital in a conflict zone is a devastating blow. This facility was a lifeline for approximately 30,000 patients annually, and its loss will have catastrophic consequences. We’re talking about people with life-threatening illnesses now deprived of essential treatment.

Impact on patients and Healthcare

Archyde News: Can you elaborate on the specific challenges this creates for cancer patients in Gaza?

Dr.El-Masri: Certainly. Without a specialized cancer hospital, patients will lose access to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and supportive care. Many patients are already in critical condition, and the lack of treatment will likely lead to a rapid deterioration of their health. We must remember that these are vulnerable people, children and adults who need urgent care. Moreover, the destruction exacerbates the strain on the already fragile healthcare system in Gaza – a terrible situation which has not been helped by strikes occurring during Ramadan.

International Law and Humanitarian Concerns

Archyde News: The reports suggest the hospital was targeted. What are the implications of this under international law?

Dr. El-masri: Targeting medical facilities is a clear violation of international humanitarian law, specifically the Geneva Conventions.Hospitals and medical personnel are protected during armed conflict. even if there were claims of military activity in the vicinity which have not been proven, the principle of proportionality dictates that any attack must not cause excessive harm to civilians or civilian infrastructure. Destroying a hospital undoubtedly violates this principle.

Call for Action and Investigation

archyde News: What steps should the international community take in response?

Dr. El-Masri: First and foremost, there must be an independent investigation into this incident. Those responsible for any violations of international law must be held accountable. The international community, and especially organizations like the UN, and major diplomatic players such as the United States, must demand a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to this conflict. Humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and personnel, must be allowed to reach Gaza instantly and without impediment and there is a need for indepedent investigations.

Long-Term Implications and Community Impact

Archyde News: Beyond the immediate impact, are there any long-term implications for the region and its people?

Dr. El-Masri: Absolutely. the destruction of this hospital will have lasting physical, psychological, and economic impacts. It will affect the morale of the people. It may contribute to a loss of hope. rebuilding trust in the healthcare system will take years. This will worsen existing mental health problems among the communities there.

final Thoughts

Archyde News: Dr.El-Masri, thank you for your valuable insights. Before we conclude, is there anything else you would like to add?

Dr. El-Masri: Yes. I would like to emphasize that every effort must be made to protect civilians and medical facilities in ongoing conflicts, and not just in Gaza. The world must not look away from the crisis becuase that is when atrocities continue. This situation demands immediate action. What steps can be taken to ensure such attacks don’t occur again. The people of Gaza need our help now, and we can’t afford to fail them.