Northern Gaza's Last Hospital Closed Amid Israeli Military Operations, Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

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The Kamal-Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza has ceased operations, marking the region's last functioning medical facility, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis as winter approaches. Israeli military forces conducted operations in and around the hospital, alleging it was a stronghold for Hamas used for military activities. Following the operations, the hospital staff, doctors, and patients were evacuated to a nearby Indonesian hospital, which has also been heavily damaged in recent military actions.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported 19 Palestinian fatalities during the operations, while authorities from the Palestinian Health Ministry claimed that 50 were killed, including hospital staff. The IDF denies civilian casualties. The military also announced the arrest of over 240 individuals deemed as terrorist suspects, including the hospital director, believed to be associated with Hamas.

Despite these claims, the effectiveness of the operations is questioned since significant military activity still occurs in northern Gaza. Recent rocket fire from the region targeted Israel, highlighting ongoing conflicts despite Israeli assertions of having defeated Hamas.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates further, with reports indicating that up to 15,000 Palestinians remain in inaccessible areas. Many of the affected population live in precarious conditions, lacking adequate shelter and facing harsh winter weather. The World Food Programme notes a severe shortage in humanitarian aid, with only a fraction of requested deliveries allowed into northern Gaza since the escalation began in October.

Compounding the crisis, at least six children reportedly died from hypothermia over the past week, as temperatures in Gaza drop below ten degrees Celsius at night. Many families are now forced to live in makeshift tents, lacking basic supplies and medical care.

The international community continues to raise concerns regarding the humanitarian implications of military actions, calling for urgent assistance and a reevaluation of strategies to mitigate the suffering of civilians in the region.

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