Israeli Strike Disables Last Functioning Hospital in Northern Gaza

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which oversees the site, reported that staff and patients were given only 20 minutes to evacuate before two missiles destroyed the facility’s genetic laboratory and damaged the pharmacy and emergency department. Dr. Yousef Al-Haddad described the scene as total destruction, noting that the loss of the hospital’s CT scanner and laboratory services effectively removes the last medical hub capable of handling critical trauma in northern Gaza. The forced evacuation of critically ill patients, some reliant on oxygen, proved fatal for three individuals who succumbed while being transported to smaller, ill-equipped facilities.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that 50 patients were successfully relocated, while 40 others were in conditions too fragile for transport. While the Israel Defense Forces claimed the hospital served as a Hamas command and control center, they provided no evidence to support the allegation. This attack is part of a broader offensive that has damaged 33 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals, leading to urgent international calls for a permanent cease-fire and the protection of remaining medical infrastructure.