Israeli Forces Detain Medics After Gaza Hospital Raid
Israeli forces have detained dozens of medical staff following a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. The raid, which took place on Friday, saw the Israeli military order the evacuation of patients and hundreds of others from the facility. Among those detained was the hospital’s director, Hussam Abu Safiya, whose current condition remains unclear. According to reports from some freed medical staff, Abu Safiya was beaten by soldiers during the raid, raising serious concerns about his wellbeing.
Impact on Healthcare in Gaza
The Israeli raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital, located in Beit Lahiya, has significantly impacted healthcare services in northern Gaza. The World Health Organization confirmed that this facility was one of the last major health centers still operating in the region. With the hospital now out of service, patients were either evacuated to the non-operational Indonesian Hospital or transferred south to other medical facilities. The hospital’s closure highlights the devastating effect the ongoing conflict has had on Gaza’s already strained healthcare system.
Casualties and Escalating Violence
On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes across Gaza resulted in the deaths of 18 Palestinians, including at least nine in a strike on a house in Maghazi camp. These attacks contribute to the mounting toll of over 45,000 lives lost since the war began, with more than 108,000 people reported injured. The Israeli military, meanwhile, continued its operations in northern Gaza, particularly in the Beit Hanoun area, urging civilians to evacuate for their safety.
As the war continues, accusations of ethnic cleansing have surfaced, with Palestinians alleging that Israeli forces are depopulating northern Gaza to create a buffer zone. Israel denies these claims, stating the military aims to target Hamas fighters operating in the area.
