Gaza Hospitals Overwhelmed As Israeli Attacks Escalate
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Hospitals in northern Gaza are overwhelmed by casualties as Israeli attacks intensify, with medical officials warning of catastrophic shortages of supplies and the United Nations decrying unprecedented restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Mohammed Saleh, acting director of al-Awda Hospital, said the facility is inundated with injured patients, with dozens arriving daily amid continued airstrikes.
“Israeli forces are targeting everything that moves in northern Gaza,” Saleh said in a statement.
He highlighted severe shortages of medicine, medical supplies, and fuel, adding that food is running critically low for both patients and healthcare workers.
“If the siege continues, we are on the brink of a disaster,” Saleh warned, urging UN agencies and international partners to deliver urgent aid.
The United Nations described the restrictions on aid to Gaza as the worst seen since Israel's genocidal war on the Palestinian enclave began in October last year.
“This is probably the worst restrictions we’ve seen on humanitarian aid – ever,” said James Elder, spokesperson for UNICEF.
Elder noted that no trucks were allowed into Gaza for several days, leaving northern areas without food, water, or medical supplies during Israel’s 12-day ground invasion and blockade.
Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, told Al Jazeera that the situation for hospitals in northern Gaza is catastrophic, calling for safe corridors to transport patients.
The Israeli army launched a ground offensive 12 days ago, targeting areas such as Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya, with support from warplanes.
The UN's human rights office reported Tuesday that the Israeli military appears to be “cutting off North Gaza completely from the rest of the Gaza Strip.”
Since the beginning of Israeli attacks in October 2023, at least 42,344 people have been killed and 99,013 injured in Gaza.