Last Hospital in Northern Gaza Ceases Operations Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

The Kamal-Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza has shut down, marking the loss of the last functioning medical facility in the region, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. Following Israeli military operations, the hospital was deemed a stronghold of Hamas, leading to the evacuation of its staff, patients, and the arrest of over 240 alleged terrorists by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Reports indicate that the Israeli operation resulted in the deaths of 19 Palestinians, all identified by the IDF as militants. However, the Palestinian health ministry contradicts this, citing a higher death toll, including hospital personnel. The World Health Organization has stated that the Indonesian Hospital, to which Kamal-Adwan's patients were transferred, is also non-operational following previous attacks.

As winter sets in, conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with nearly 90% of the region's 2.2 million residents displaced, living in tents amid harsh weather conditions. According to reports, six children died from hypothermia last week, highlighting the critical humanitarian crisis. The United Nations warned that over one million people will spend the winter months without adequate shelter.

Efforts to deliver aid have stalled significantly; only three of 101 requested shipments have been approved since the escalation of conflict began on October 6. The ongoing military operations in northern Gaza, perceived as a Sisyphean task by Israeli forces, have seen rocket fire from the region continue, illustrating that control over the area remains elusive.

Humanitarian organizations like Doctors Without Borders have condemned the attacks on healthcare infrastructure, asserting that access to essential medical services is now nonexistent due to the latest round of violence.