As of today, Al Awda’s hospital in Jabalia is the last functioning hospital in Northern Gaza, albeit barely. This development comes after heavy bombardment on the Indonesian Hospital in Bait Lahia rendered services impossible yesterday.
The non-governmental organization Al Awda received orders for the immediate evacuation of the hospital’s staff and patients on Friday or else the facility would be bombed, including all of those inside.
Over the last two days the hospital has been targeted, destroying the fuel tank and last running generator, and shelling in the surrounding area continues.
Today 63 staff and 34 patients remain inside. The facility has no electricity but continues to receive patients, providing the best possible treatment with no fuel, and a severe shortage of medication and medical supplies. Staff are terrified and awaiting clearance for the safe evacuation of patients to Gaza city.
With support from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), Relief International is supporting Al Awda’s hospitals in Jabalia and Nuseirat. Relief International CEO Craig Redmond says,
“We are very distressed about the situation facing patients and health staff at Al Awda’s hospital in Jabalia. Right now, it is critical that they are granted safe passage to evacuate and leave the facility. The targeting of civilians, health staff and health infrastructure must stop.”
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About Relief International
Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Our team of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers work in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience. We do this by working with local actors to develop safe and inclusive local programming that is evidence based, conflict sensitive, climate smart, and reaches those in need.