World Health Organization loses contact with Kamal Adwan Hospital staff in Gaza

GENEVA: The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, announced today that communication has been lost with the staff at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza following an incursion by Israeli forces. In a statement shared on social media, Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the situation, highlighting that the hospital is currently housing approximately 200 patients along with hundreds of displaced individuals seeking refuge. Late last night, the WHO and its partners managed to reach Kamal Adwan Hospital, successfully transferring 23 patients and 26 healthcare workers to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The team also delivered 180 units of blood, surgical supplies, and medications for over 5,000 patients. Ghebreyesus pointed out the alarming loss of communication with hospital personnel amid reports of the Israeli military's invasion. He described this development as extremely troubling given the number of patients relying on care and the individuals sheltering w ithin the hospital. Earlier reports from medical and local sources indicated that Israeli forces had detained hundreds of patients, medical staff, and displaced individuals inside Kamal Adwan Hospital after the incursion. Since October 5, Israeli forces have intensified their ground attacks and heavy bombardment across various areas of northern Gaza, aiming to displace residents through forced evacuations and relocations. Source: Palestine news & Information Agency - WAFA