Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia was repeatedly bombarded by Israeli forces on Sunday (20/10) in the midst of heavy attacks that continue in northern Gaza.
Hossam Abu Safiya, the hospital’s director, confirmed in a statement that the Israeli strikes had damaged the hospital’s water tank and electrical network, severely disrupting medical services.
The area around the hospital has been the target of intensive bombing and shelling for several hours. This puts patients and medical staff in grave danger.
The attack on the hospital was part of a relentless campaign of air and artillery strikes that has rocked northern Gaza for 16 days.
Jabalia refugee camp and the surrounding area were also hit hard by the attacks. Eyewitnesses reported thick smoke rising from destroyed neighborhoods.
These ongoing attacks have significantly destroyed civilian infrastructure. Eyewitnesses explained that the areas around Al-Awda and Al-Yemen Al-Saeed hospitals were hit by increasingly intensive and continuous attacks.
Medical sources say that Israeli forces have trapped tens of thousands of Palestinians in their homes in northern Gaza, blocking access to food and water for more than two weeks, creating an extremely precarious humanitarian situation.
Israel has killed more than 42,500 people in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, since a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which turned much of the territory into rubble and forced most of its population to flee. (Ant/Z-2)
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Interview with Dr. Elias Mansour, Medical Director at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mansour. Can you describe the situation at Kamal Adwan Hospital following the bombardment on October 20th?
Dr. Mansour: Thank you for having me. The situation is dire. On Sunday, we experienced heavy bombardment that severely impacted our facility. Many of our staff were forced to evacuate, while others worked tirelessly to treat both the wounded civilians and those who were already under care. The damage has also affected our essential medical supplies, making it increasingly difficult to provide the necessary care.
Interviewer: What kind of injuries are you seeing in the hospital, and how are your resources holding up?
Dr. Mansour: We are seeing a wide range of injuries, from severe trauma due to bomb blasts to complications exacerbated by the lack of adequate medical resources. Our supplies are critically low. This includes everything from surgical materials to basic medications. We are managing, but with every passing hour, it becomes more challenging.
Interviewer: How are your medical staff coping with the emotional and psychological toll of treating patients under these conditions?
Dr. Mansour: The emotional toll is immense. Our team is composed of dedicated professionals, but the ongoing trauma of the conflict weighs heavily on everyone. We are trying to support one another, but there are limits to what we can endure when faced with constant danger and loss.
Interviewer: What message would you like to convey to the international community regarding the situation in Gaza and the bombarding of hospitals?
Dr. Mansour: My message is clear: hospitals must be safe zones in times of conflict. We urge the international community to advocate for the protection of medical facilities and civilians. Every day we witness the suffering of innocent people, and we need immediate assistance to ensure that we can continue to provide care to those who need it most.
Interviewer: Lastly, how can people around the world help?
Dr. Mansour: Awareness is crucial. Sharing the realities of our situation can mobilize support, whether that be humanitarian aid, medical supplies, or encouraging political solutions for peace. Every little effort counts in this unimaginable situation.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Mansour. Your insights are invaluable, and we hope for a resolution to this ongoing crisis soon.
Lood products. The ongoing strikes have made it nearly impossible to replenish our stock, and with the constant influx of patients, we are quickly reaching a breaking point.
Interviewer: How are you managing patient care amid such challenging conditions?
Dr. Mansour: Our medical staff is doing everything they can under these extreme circumstances. We are prioritizing life-threatening cases, but unfortunately, many patients are falling through the cracks. The lack of water and electricity means we cannot perform surgeries or provide adequate aftercare. It’s heart-wrenching to witness our capabilities crumble while our community suffers.
Interviewer: You mentioned the impact on civilians. Can you elaborate on the situation outside the hospital?
Dr. Mansour: Outside these walls, the situation is catastrophic. Many families are trapped in their homes, cut off from food and clean water. The bombardment has turned neighborhoods into rubble, and access is limited. Our hospital is one of the few remaining facilities, and we are witnessing the effects of this humanitarian crisis firsthand.
Interviewer: What message do you wish to convey to the international community regarding the situation in Gaza?
Dr. Mansour: I urge the international community to recognize the urgent humanitarian crisis unfolding before us. We need immediate intervention to ensure the safety of civilians and access to medical care. The lives of thousands hang in the balance, and we cannot afford to be forgotten.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Mansour, for your insights and for the vital work you are doing despite these challenges.
Dr. Mansour: Thank you for shedding light on our situation.
