Director of northern Gaza hospital under Israeli fire describes “truly terrifying” situation
After an extended communication blackout, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, told CNN that Israeli troops remain on site, describing the conditions as “truly terrifying.”
Speaking shortly after 3 p.m. ET on Friday, Abu Safiya reported that the hospital had endured “intense bombardment,” resulting in shattered glass and broken doors. He recounted a disturbing encounter with Israeli forces, stating, “We all gathered in one place, and then the army called for me. When I went down, they put me inside a tank and began interrogating me about my statements and contact with the media.”
Abu Safiya indicated that Israeli soldiers were searching the hospital rooms, evacuating displaced individuals, and removing 44 staff members. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 600 patients, staff, and family members are currently in the hospital, and the situation is rapidly deteriorating.
He also mentioned that the Israeli military had cut off the hospital’s electricity and solar power and had blocked staff from accessing the water supply. Tragically, two children on ventilators died after the military destroyed the hospital’s oxygen supply. Additionally, children in the nursery were urgently moved to the ICU after gunfire erupted, injuring three nurses and a cleaner.
“The situation is extremely tragic and terrifying, and the bombing is continuous,” Abu Safiya stated.
Earlier, the Israeli military said its operations around Kamal Adwan Hospital were based on intelligence about the presence of terrorists and their infrastructure. They claimed to have assisted in patient evacuations in previous weeks.
COGAT, the Israeli agency overseeing aid flow into Gaza, reported that, with the assistance of UNICEF and WHO, several patients and their escorts were evacuated from the facility. They also provided fuel, blood units, and medical equipment. However, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that around 200 patients and many others seeking shelter remain at the hospital.
