Israeli military evacuated Tuesday the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, forcing patients, some on foot, to seek care miles away in Gaza City, according to the territory’s health ministry.
The Indonesian Hospital, located in the northern Gaza Strip, has been providing much-needed medical care to the local community for over 20 years. However, on Tuesday, the hospital was forced to shut down and evacuate all its patients due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Israeli military claimed that the hospital was being used by Hamas as a base for launching rockets into Israel. As a result, they ordered the immediate evacuation of the hospital, leaving patients and medical staff in a state of panic and confusion.
The evacuation process was chaotic and traumatic for the patients, many of whom were already in critical condition. Some were forced to leave on foot, while others were carried out on stretchers. The scene was heart-wrenching as families were separated and patients were left without proper medical care.
The Indonesian Hospital, which has a capacity of 100 beds, was treating patients with a range of medical conditions, including those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, and children. The sudden closure of the hospital has left these vulnerable patients with no access to medical treatment.
The Gaza Health Ministry has condemned the forced evacuation, stating that it has put the lives of patients at risk. They have also expressed concerns about the lack of medical facilities in the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli blockade for over a decade.
The Indonesian Hospital was the only medical facility in the northern Gaza Strip that provided specialized care, including pediatric and maternity services. With its closure, patients now have to travel long distances to reach the nearest hospital in Gaza City, which is already overwhelmed with patients due to the ongoing conflict.
The evacuation of the Indonesian Hospital has once again highlighted the dire situation in the Gaza Strip, where the healthcare system has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict. Hospitals and medical facilities have been damaged, and medical supplies are running low, making it difficult for patients to receive proper treatment.
The closure of the Indonesian Hospital has also raised concerns about the violation of international humanitarian law, which states that medical facilities and personnel must be protected during times of conflict.
The international community has called for an immediate end to the violence and for the protection of civilians, including patients and medical staff. The United Nations has also urged all parties to respect the sanctity of medical facilities and to ensure that patients have access to proper medical care.
In the midst of this tragic situation, there is a glimmer of hope. The Indonesian Hospital has announced that it will continue to provide medical care to patients in need, despite the closure of its physical facility. The hospital has set up a makeshift clinic in Gaza City, where patients can receive basic medical treatment and medication.
The hospital’s staff, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, have shown incredible resilience and dedication in the face of adversity. They have risked their own lives to ensure that patients receive the care they need, and their selfless actions are a testament to the unwavering spirit of the people of Gaza.
The closure of the Indonesian Hospital has once again highlighted the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The innocent civilians, especially the sick and vulnerable, should not have to suffer the consequences of this senseless violence.
In conclusion, the forced evacuation of the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza has caused immense hardship and suffering for patients and their families. It is a tragic reminder of the dire situation in the Gaza Strip and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The international community must come together to ensure the protection of civilians, including patients and medical staff, and to provide much-needed aid to the people of Gaza.
