During the Israeli attacks targeting large parts of Al Awda Hospital in the Tel Al-Zaatar area, east of Jabalia Camp in northern Gaza, and an 18-day Israeli siege, the Palestinian hospital continues to provide medical services at a 50% capacity to patients and the injured amidst the harsh conditions in Gaza due to the war.
The damages inflicted on the hospital as a result of Israeli targeting have been documented, in addition to the treatment provided to the injured and patients amid a shortage of medical resources and supplies resulting from the war.
Photographs reveal severe destruction on the upper floors of the building, as well as the destruction of ambulances at the hospital entrance.
Dr. Mohammed Saleh, while working at the hospital, stated to Anadolu Agency, “After the 18-day siege that lasted from December 5th to the 22nd of the same month, the hospital resumed operations, and we have started providing medical care to patients and the injured at a 50% capacity.”
He added, “During the siege, our movement within the hospital corridors was severely restricted due to the fear of Israeli sniper fire, and ambulances and civilians were unable to easily transport the wounded and patients to the hospital.”
Saleh explained, “During the siege, the Israeli army fired at the hospital, resulting in the death of 3 employees inside the building and the destruction of the third and fourth floors.”
“Many women died due to difficulties in reaching the hospital quickly, especially pregnant women,” Saleh further elaborated.
Continuing Despite the Hardships
Saleh pointed out that the hospital is currently providing medical care to citizens and the injured, in addition to women’s services, childbirth, and cosmetic procedures.
He explained, “We face many challenges, including the unavailability of medicines and medical supplies that we have been waiting for months, and a shortage of the necessary fuel to operate the generators.”
He mentioned that health institutions are trying to bring in aid and medication, but the Israeli army consistently rejects them.
Saleh stated, “The hospital also suffers from a lack of fuel to operate the generators and ambulances, forcing us to rely on a small generator and struggle to purchase fuel for it from local markets due to its scarcity.”
The Palestinian doctor called on international health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), to urgently provide medication and medical supplies to serve the wounded and patients.
Victims of Israeli Bombing
Inside the hospital, the injured Palestinian, Mahmoud Abu Sharkh, lies on a bed receiving treatment after being injured by Israeli shelling when the Israeli army infiltrated the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood north of Gaza City.
Abu Sharkh told Anadolu Agency, “We were sitting in our homes when the Israeli army entered the area, so we decided to leave our homes and head towards Jabalia town in northern Gaza.”
He added, “On the way, we were directly targeted by Israeli occupation aircraft, resulting in my injury and the injury of my sons.”
Abu Sharkh continued, “I was transferred to Al Awda Hospital to receive treatment, where I have been staying in the hospital for about 40 days.”
Earlier on Saturday, Ismael Al-Thawabteh, the General Director of the Government Media Office in Gaza, told Anadolu Agency that during the war on Gaza, the Israeli army destroyed and took out of service 30 hospitals (out of a total of 36), as well as 53 health centers, targeting 150 health facilities and rendering them inoperative.
He added, “They also targeted 122 ambulances, completely destroying them with the aim of eradicating the health sector in Gaza.”
