The Israeli government has ordered the closure of al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, leaving health officials to scramble to relocate dozens of people, including 13 patients, who remain at the medical facility. The hospital is the last functioning medical center in northern Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry has condemned the move, calling it a “continuation of the violations and crimes” against the medical sector in the territory.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the closure, stating that there is no remaining functional hospital in North Gaza, severing a critical lifeline for the people there. WHO has pleaded “for the hospital’s protection and staff and patients’ safety.” The organization’s statement added, “Due to impassable roads, the hospital’s medical equipment cannot be relocated.”
The closure of al-Awda Hospital comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with Israel continuing its suffocating blockade on the enclave. Palestinians have been struggling to access food, with many reporting long distances and chaotic conditions at aid distribution points. Saher Abu Tahoon, a Palestinian resident, described the situation, saying, “We need this box because there’s no food to eat. We haven’t seen any food or flour in five days.”
The situation is further complicated by Israel’s efforts to bypass and sideline the United Nations from the aid distribution process. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said, “Starvation is threatening the future of the children… What’s urgently needed is a political will to allow the UN and partners to provide assistance at scale without hindrance or interruption.” Meanwhile, Israel’s relentless bombardment continues, with at least 70 Palestinians killed in attacks across Gaza on Thursday.