Israeli Bulldozers Demolish Tents of Displaced Palestinians at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza Strip

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
16/12/2023 23h23

In a disturbing act of aggression, Israeli bulldozers have reportedly demolished tents of displaced Palestinians outside Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip, leaving at least 20 people dead, according to a recent report. The incident, described as a "terrifying massacre" by Palestinian journalist Anas al-Sharif, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of patients and medical staff in the besieged hospital.

Video footage from Al Jazeera captured the aftermath of the destruction, showing mangled tents and belongings scattered across the courtyard of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, located in the northern part of Gaza. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene as bulldozers trampling the tents of displaced people and brutally crushing them, effectively burying them alive.

Anas al-Sharif, expressing his shock and anger, denounced the Israeli occupation forces for committing a "horrific crime against citizens and medical staff" in his post on X. Al-Jazeera correspondent Imad Zaqout further emphasized that the hospital had been completely destroyed and that Israeli forces were targeting anything and anyone in its vicinity.

The Observatory, a monitoring group, corroborated the reports, stating that it had received testimonies and complaints from medical and media teams confirming that Palestinians had been buried alive by the Israeli bulldozers before their withdrawal. One body was visible amidst the piles of sand, with witnesses affirming that the individual had been injured prior to being buried.

The Observatory also highlighted that Israeli tanks had approached the hospital nine days ago, and Israeli army snipers had positioned themselves on high buildings, indiscriminately shooting at anyone in the area. This relentless onslaught on the hospital has left patients, medical staff, and those seeking refuge inside in grave danger.

Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident. The Observatory pointed out that the Israeli army has been systematically targeting healthcare facilities in the Gaza Strip since October 7, which constitutes a significant violation of international humanitarian law. The situation at Kamal Adwan Hospital has worsened in recent days, with Israeli forces storming the premises multiple times, occupying the roofs and buildings, and subjecting the trapped individuals to a cruel siege, depriving them of essential supplies such as food and water.

In a heartbreaking development, it was reported that twelve newborn babies are trapped in incubators at Kamal Adwan Hospital due to the ongoing siege by Israeli forces. The lack of access to necessary medical care, including oxygen, has put their lives at risk. Ahmed al-Kahlout, the hospital's head, sadly shared that the maternity ward had been bombed, resulting in the deaths of two mothers and their newborns.

The Gaza Health Ministry has described the situation at Kamal Adwan Hospital as "catastrophic," with reports indicating that over 3,000 people have sought refuge within its walls. The international community has been called upon to intervene urgently to ensure the safety and well-being of those trapped inside the besieged medical center.

As tensions continue to escalate in the Gaza Strip, the plight of the displaced Palestinians and the alarming threat to the healthcare system remains a cause for concern. The international community must take decisive action to address this ongoing crisis and prevent further loss of life and suffering.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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