In the northern Gaza Strip, something unusual happened. The director of the last working hospital, Dr. Hossam Abu Safia, was arrested by Israeli military forces. This isn't just any hospital; it's Kamal Adwan Hospital, the only one still operating in the area. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported this on Saturday.
Why was the hospital targeted? Palestinian health authorities claim it was under a severe siege. They say the hospital's operations, surgery, labs, and even ambulances were destroyed. Patients and staff were forcefully moved to another hospital, Indonesian Hospital, which lacks basic supplies like medicine and electricity.
The Israeli military has a different story. They say the hospital was a Hamas "terror stronghold. " They arrested 240 people they claim are "terrorists" and found weapons like grenades and pistols. They also say some Hamas fighters disguised themselves as patients or staff.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) insisted they followed international law, even when dealing with medical facilities used by Hamas. They provided fuel, generators, and medical equipment to the other hospital where patients were taken.
However, Palestinian officials paint a grim picture. They say the patients moved to the other hospital are in a dire situation, with no water, electricity, or supplies. The IDF also detained most of the health staff.
This is a complex situation with two sides telling very different stories. It raises questions about how to handle medical facilities in conflict zones.
