Al-Awda Hospital in North Gaza Evacuated Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Al-Awda hospital in North Gaza has been evacuated after Israeli forces ordered its closure, striking a critical blow to the healthcare system in the region. Efforts for a ceasefire continue, but the humanitarian situation grows dire as attacks persist and aid struggles to reach those in need.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepened as the last functioning hospital in the North Gaza governorate, al-Awda, was evacuated following an Israeli military order. Dr. Mohammed Salha, the hospital’s director, informed the BBC about the evacuation that took place after “two weeks of siege.” He noted that there are now no operational health facilities remaining in northern Gaza. Amid ongoing military operations, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the evacuation.

Efforts are underway to secure a ceasefire, with Hamas currently reviewing a US proposal supported by Israel. President Donald Trump expressed optimism, suggesting a deal could be imminent. However, Hamas has identified significant gaps in the proposal, including the need for Israel to commit to ending hostilities. The proposed deal includes a 60-day pause in fighting, a hostage release plan involving both alive and deceased individuals, and a backlogged humanitarian aid distribution via the UN. Despite the push for peace, the Israeli military continues its operations, with reports indicating at least 72 fatalities in Gaza reported by health officials.

Dr. Salha conveyed the hospital staff's apprehension regarding the evacuation, revealing that Israeli forces threatened to bomb the facility should they fail to comply. He initially resisted the order, prioritizing the health of patients, but a protracted negotiation concluded with the evacuation of patients and staff around 20:30 on Thursday. Patients were ultimately transported to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City amidst destroyed surrounding roads.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned the closure, emphasizing that it disrupts essential healthcare for the local population. The IDF stated that its operations in the area target terrorism but maintained a claim of no siege on the hospital itself. Multiple charity organizations indicated that al-Awda had endured heavy bombardment over the past month, suffering at least 28 strikes, significantly impacting its operations.

As aid distribution remains chaotic amid shortages, the UN highlighted the dire situation, revealing that a vast majority of medical facilities in Gaza are either damaged or completely non-operational. Following a prolonged blockade, Israel has recently allowed limited humanitarian aid into Gaza, but the effectiveness of these efforts is under scrutiny as many groups oppose the approaches taken in distribution logistics.

In a harrowing development, recent reports detailed looting of medical supplies destined for children in need, underscoring the desperation and chaos that defines the current situation. With a staggering number of casualties reported in the ongoing conflict, the UN has declared that Gaza is at the brink of famine, labeling it "the hungriest place on earth." Continuous international pressure urges Israel to facilitate increased humanitarian aid, as discussions surrounding hostages and a ceasefire persist. The turmoil continues to deepen, leaving Gaza's 2.1 million residents in an increasingly perilous situation.