RAMALLAH, Tuesday, May 21, 2024 (WAFA) - ActionAid, a partner of Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, urgently appealed for an immediate intervention in the critical situation facing the hospital.

“Al-Awda Hospital, one of our vital partners, is currently under siege by the Israeli army, resulting in the complete blockade of access to and from the facility. This blockade severely impedes the hospital's ability to provide essential medical services to the most vulnerable populations in the north of Gaza,” said ActionAid.

Mohammad Salha, acting director of Al-Awda Hospital, reported that the hospital is under siege again by the Israeli military, with shooting and shelling in its vicinity, ambulances unable to leave the hospital and injured people unable to enter, reported ActionAid.

Al-Awda Hospital is the only hospital in northern Gaza still providing maternity services and orthopedic surgery services. “He describes the emergency situation at Al-Awda, with no remaining fuel or clean water and patients and staff in fear that the hospital would be targeted,” said ActionAid.

Reports from our colleagues at Al-Awda Hospital highlight the dire consequences of this siege. Previous attacks, including an 18-day siege last December during which three medical personnel were sniped, have forced the hospital to take extreme measures to protect patients and staff. Despite these efforts, the hospital is struggling to meet the urgent medical needs of the community, with 80% of injuries requiring immediate orthopedic intervention, added ActionAid.

ActionAid stressed that the capacity of Al-Awda Hospital has been severely compromised due to the bombing of its accommodation floors, resulting in the killing of three doctors and the loss of 48 beds. “Despite these challenges, 93 medical personnel continue to work tirelessly under extremely difficult conditions.”

T.R.