Recent reports indicate that Israeli forces evacuated the Kamal-Adwan hospital in northern Gaza due to a fire, affecting around 350 individuals, including healthcare workers and patients. This action follows a military directive allowing increased operations against Hamas, even in civilian areas, potentially leading to higher civilian casualties. The ongoing conflict has intensified, with the Israeli military asserting a commitment to dismantling Hamas before considering a ceasefire, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact on Gaza’s population.
Evacuation of Hospital in Northern Gaza
Recent reports from Palestinian sources indicate that Israeli soldiers have conducted an evacuation of a hospital situated in the northern Gaza Strip. The Kamal-Adwan clinic, which is currently experiencing a fire, prompted the authorities to take action. Munir Al-Bursch, the director of the Palestinian health authority associated with Hamas, revealed that around 350 individuals were forced to leave the facility.
This group included 185 healthcare workers, 75 patients, and their family members. They were relocated to a nearby former school that has been designated as a refugee shelter. However, part of the clinic in Beit Lahija is ablaze, and communication with the medical staff still on-site has been lost.
Revelations of Military Orders and Civilian Impact
In the aftermath of a significant escalation in hostilities, the Israeli military has confirmed its involvement in an explosion that occurred several months ago. They reported that a minor fire within an unoccupied structure on the clinic’s premises is currently under control, yet they remain unaware if their own forces caused the fire. The military justified the operation, asserting that Hamas militants had repurposed the hospital for their activities. Efforts were reportedly made to prioritize civilian safety during the evacuation.
According to Palestinian medical sources, the Kamal-Adwan hospital has faced multiple assaults from the Israeli military, similar to two other clinics in the northern region, amid ongoing military operations against Hamas.
Reports from the New York Times have unveiled a previously undisclosed directive issued by Israeli military leadership on October 7, 2023, shortly after a Hamas attack. This order permits mid-level officers to target not just Hamas commanders and weapon storage but also lower-ranking members of the group. The directive allows for operations that could result in the death of up to 20 civilians, a shift from prior protocols that aimed to minimize civilian casualties.
This unprecedented order indicates a significant change in military strategy, allowing attacks on militants in residential areas, thereby increasing the potential for civilian harm. The military has reportedly adjusted its assessment models, relying more on statistical estimates rather than comprehensive surveillance, raising concerns about the safety of the civilian population.
As the conflict escalates, the Israeli military maintains its stance on dismantling Hamas completely before considering any ceasefire. The implications of this new approach could lead to severe consequences for the people of Gaza, with reports indicating that the ongoing military actions have resulted in extensive casualties and displacement among the population.