Israeli forces have attacked Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, by placing booby-trapped devices around the facility.
According to reports from local correspondents and medical staff, the hospital has been hit repeatedly, resulting in catastrophic damage to its infrastructure and endangering dozens of patients and staff.
The assault began when Israeli quadcopter drones dropped more than ten bombs on the hospital, igniting a fire on the third floor.
Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces deployed explosive robots and hidden bombs around the hospital, further escalating the danger.
No electricity, water, or oxygen
The facility has since been completely cut off from power, water, and essential medical supplies due to the siege and ongoing bombardment.
Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, claimed the “relentless attack” targeted the third floor of the facility while staff performed surgery on injured patients.
The paediatrician said: “From yesterday until this moment, we have barely slept due to the continuous and deliberate bombing of the hospital.
“We were in the operating rooms performing surgery on one of the injured when we were hit. Because of the bombing we received about five more injuries, including one patient who had to have his left foot amputated.”
The hospital, one of the last operational medical facilities in northern Gaza, currently houses over 64 patients, including critically injured individuals in intensive care who require oxygen and water to survive.
Despite attempts to restore partial services, the hospital is overwhelmed by the ongoing siege, which has left it without electricity, water, or oxygen.
Dr Abu Safiya added: “As of now, there is no electricity, water, or oxygen at all. We are working to fix part of the infrastructure that was targeted.”
Doctors condemn international inaction
On Monday evening, Israeli forces destroyed the hospital's power generators, plunging the facility into darkness and damaging its critical units.
The staff has been forced to operate under critical conditions, risking their lives as Israeli snipers targeted ICU workers.
The humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza has reached breaking point. Blockaded for over 70 days, Palestinians have been deprived of food, medicine, and fuel, pushing the population to the brink of famine.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned on Monday that Kamal Adwan Hospital is operating at a "minimum" level in “appalling” conditions.
A small humanitarian team managed to deliver limited supplies over the weekend, but these are insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs.
Israeli troops have besieged the hospital since December 12, 2023, as part of a large-scale ground invasion in northern Gaza.
Medical staff and humanitarian agencies have called for urgent international protection to prevent further loss of life. Dr Abu Safiya added: “The world either does not see or does not want to see what is happening. It seems they are waiting for bodies to be pulled from the rubble of Kamal Adwan Hospital.”