Last Hospital in Northern Gaza Closes Amid Ongoing Conflict and Winter Crisis

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The ongoing conflict in Gaza has reached a critical point as the last operational hospital in the northern region, Kamal-Adwan Medical Center, has been forced to close. The Israeli military conducted operations at the hospital, claiming it was utilized by Hamas for military activities. The closure leaves a dire humanitarian situation, with no medical facilities available for the wounded and ill in an area that is increasingly uninhabitable.

On Friday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) initiated a military operation in and around the Kamal-Adwan facility, resulting in significant casualties. Reports indicate that the Israeli army killed 19 Palestinians, accused of being terrorists, while the Palestinian health ministry claims the number of dead is 50, including five hospital staff members. The IDF has apprehended over 240 individuals suspected of terrorist activities during this operation, including the hospital director, who is alleged to be affiliated with Hamas.

Despite these claims of success, the military campaign appears far from over, with ongoing operations in key northern Gaza locations like Beit Hanun and Jabalia. Meanwhile, the region is facing severe humanitarian challenges; temperatures have plunged below ten degrees Celsius, and harsh weather is deteriorating living conditions for thousands.

The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations report that up to 15,000 Palestinians are trapped in inadequately supplied areas, suffering from extreme cold and lack of food and medical attention. The situation is critical, with hospitals unable to provide necessary care due to sustained aerial attacks and damaged infrastructure.

Aid access to northern Gaza remains severely restricted, with only a fraction of required aid deliveries approved since the Israeli offensive escalated in early October 2024. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, many families continue to suffer, exacerbated by the harsh winter conditions.

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