Gaza's Al-Awda Hospital: A Candid Account of Collapse Amid Warfare

In the midst of escalating violence and humanitarian crisis, Al-Awda Hospital, the last functioning medical facility in North Gaza, has officially closed its doors as the health system in the region faces unprecedented collapse. Over two weeks, the hospital's director, Mohammed Salha, documented the harrowing conditions through a series of voice notes sent to BBC News, revealing the dire state of healthcare under siege.

Al-Awda Hospital, located in Jabalia, has been a critical lifeline for the local population. The World Health Organization (WHO) described it as the final operational hospital in northern Gaza, but due to continuous bombardment and the Israeli military's ground operations, it has ceased its operations altogether. Salha's recordings detail a rapid deterioration of conditions, from the influx of injured patients to the eventual evacuation of staff and patients under life-threatening circumstances.

The situation worsened significantly after the Israeli military expanded its offensive against Hamas, leading to accusations of the armed group using hospitals for military purposes. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), they have targeted “terror-related activities” in the area, raising concerns about the collateral damage inflicted upon civilian healthcare facilities. However, the WHO and other humanitarian organizations have called the health system in Gaza ‘systematically dismantled,’ with less than half of the hospitals currently operational.

Salha's voice notes, which corroborate with testimonies from other medical staff, reveal the chaos and desperation felt by those remaining in the hospital. On several occasions, Salha reported that the hospital was under siege, with gunfire and drone strikes rendering emergency medical services nearly impossible. Reports indicate that ambulances transporting patients and medical supplies have also been targeted, further exacerbating the crisis.

According to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, the health system's collapse is a direct result of intensified military operations and blockades impacting the movement of medical personnel and supplies. “The situation is critical, and immediate action is needed to protect the health of civilians in Gaza,” he stated in a recent briefing.

The final days of Al-Awda saw patients being evacuated under extreme duress, with reports of staff sustaining injuries from shrapnel and the destruction of vital medical supplies. Salha described the traumatic scene as patients were carried on stretchers past ruined buildings, symbolizing the tragic cost of conflict on healthcare. He noted that without Al-Awda, many women would have no choice but to give birth in the streets, highlighting the urgent need for functioning medical facilities.

As the conflict continues, the implications for the region's health system are dire. The closure of Al-Awda marks a significant turning point, leaving the population of northern Gaza without essential medical care. The WHO has repeatedly called for the protection of healthcare workers and facilities, emphasizing the need for humanitarian corridors to allow for the safe passage of medical supplies and personnel.

Looking ahead, the immediate future of healthcare in Gaza remains bleak. With ongoing military operations and continued blockades, international organizations are urging for a ceasefire and the establishment of safe zones for medical services. The health crisis in Gaza is not just a humanitarian issue; it poses serious implications for regional stability and international relations as the world watches the unfolding tragedy.

In the wake of this crisis, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and provide humanitarian aid, as the toll on civilian lives and health systems reaches catastrophic levels. The fate of Gaza's healthcare hangs in the balance, as the long-term consequences of this conflict will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.