Al-Awda Hospital in Gaza.
Gaza hospital says “Israeli” forces carrying out forced evacuation
“Israeli” forces are carrying out a “forced evacuation” of patients and medical staff from al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, the facility reported Thursday.
In a statement, the hospital, located in Tel al-Zaatar, said “Israeli” troops began the evacuation after “days of siege and repeated targeting,” calling it a direct threat to the right to health and life, and a “blatant violation of international humanitarian law.”
Al-Awda is the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza, according to its staff.
Earlier Thursday, the hospital said “Israeli” forces had demanded its immediate evacuation. At the time, 97 people remained inside—13 patients and 84 medical workers.
Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed the evacuation order, describing it as part of the ongoing “crimes and violations” against the health system and urging international bodies to provide protection in line with international law.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also reported that the hospital is currently overwhelmed due to the large number of injuries and a severe shortage of medical supplies.
OCHA added that weeks of nearby fighting have damaged the facility, hindered access, and instilled fear among the population, discouraging many from seeking medical care.