Israeli Military Attack on Gaza Hospital Puts ICU Out of Service

The intensive care unit (ICU) of Kamal Adwan Hospital was rendered inoperative after catching fire due to Israeli gunfire, according to Hussam Abu Safiya, the hospital's director.

In a video message, Abu Safiya stated that the assault followed "a frightening targeting" of homes in the hospital's vicinity.

"The Israeli vehicles deliberately targeted the intensive care unit and were directly and clearly shooting towards it," he said.

Medical teams managed to evacuate patients on respirators "miraculously" as the fire broke out inside the facility.

Abu Safiya emphasized that the hospital's ICU is the only specialized care department still functioning in northern Gaza.

The hospital has faced repeated attacks since early October, when the Israeli military launched a ground offensive in northern Gaza.

Israel says the operation aims to prevent Hamas from regrouping.

However, Palestinians accuse Israel of attempting to occupy the area and forcibly displace its residents.

The offensive has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Since October, limited humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and fuel, has been allowed into the area, leaving residents on the brink of famine.

Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, launched on Oct. 7, 2023, has killed more than 45,000 people, devastated the enclave, and triggered a humanitarian catastrophe.

Last month, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) related to its actions in Gaza.