WHO and UN officials have raised alarm over the dire situation in central Gaza’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which is grappling with the devastating impact of intense air strikes. With only 30 percent of its staff remaining, the hospital is struggling to cope with an influx of patients as the heavy Israeli bombardment continues across the enclave. Reports indicate that hundreds of patients and staff are missing, having been forced to leave the facility without any information on their whereabouts.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) visited the hospital on Sunday and witnessed chaotic scenes as medical staff worked tirelessly to treat the injured. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that Israeli attacks on January 5-7 resulted in the death of 225 Palestinians and left 296 injured. The overwhelming number of wounded individuals has put immense pressure on the few remaining staff, who are desperately calling for more protection for medical centers.
Sean Casey, an official from the WHO, described the situation as “chaotic,” with new patients arriving every few minutes. He highlighted the dangerous circumstances faced by the hospital, with only five doctors left to handle numerous emergency cases and casualties. Casey emphasized the urgent need for the hospital to be protected, despite the departure of many staff members.
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) also expressed concern over the escalating Israeli military activity, which forced their emergency medical team to cease operations at the hospital. The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, condemned the deteriorating conditions, stating that his staff had witnessed “sickening scenes” of patients being treated on blood-streaked floors and in chaotic corridors.
Ghebreyesus emphasized the crucial role of Al-Aqsa Hospital in providing lifesaving services and called for its functionality to be preserved. He expressed shock at the scale of health needs and devastation in northern Gaza, where hospitals are completely out of service. Urgent and unhindered access to the region is needed to deliver humanitarian aid and prevent further loss of life and suffering.
Despite growing international pressure for a respite, Israel continues its attacks on Gaza’s health facilities and residential areas. The WHO has reported that hospitals in northern Gaza are now non-operational. The escalating violence has resulted in a staggering death toll, with at least 22,835 people, including 9,600 children, killed in Israeli attacks since October 7. Israel claims that 1,139 people were killed in Hamas’s attack on October 7.
The situation in Al-Aqsa Hospital serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities and the protection of medical facilities in Gaza. The international community must act swiftly to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
