Ongoing Israeli attacks on Kamal Adwan hospital in Gaza 'unacceptable': WHO chief

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - The latest shelling of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, which caused severe damage and disrupted vital medical services, is "unacceptable," the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.

According to hospital authorities, the attack on Dec. 7 led to injuries among health workers and patients, while water, oxygen, and fuel tanks were destroyed, triggering a fire within the hospital premises.

The facility is now completely without electricity, further crippling its ability to provide essential care, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X.

“The ongoing attacks on the hospital are unacceptable and are depriving people in northern (Gaza) of the already minimal health services they had left,” he said.

Tedros called for urgent measures to protect patients, health workers, and medical facilities in conflict zones.

“We urge for the protection of patients, health workers and facilities; access to provide regular humanitarian aid and support in repairing the facility; and an immediate end to hostilities,” he added.

The Kamal Adwan Hospital has been a critical lifeline for the region, offering limited but essential care in the face of persistent shortages of medical supplies, staff, and electricity. The destruction of its infrastructure further deepens the challenges for health care providers striving to save lives amidst the conflict.

Humanitarian agencies and global leaders have consistently called for a cease-fire to allow the delivery of medical aid and services, but the situation on the ground remains volatile.

Israel has launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 44,700 people, mostly women and children, since Oct. 7, 2023.

Last month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on Gaza.