The UN Humanitarian Country Team in Palestine stated that this event is not an isolated one. They have encountered attacks on aid convoys and have consistently been prevented from reaching those in need of assistance. This statement was made following the successful mission to evacuate 24 patients from Al Amal Hospital in Khan Younis.

Amid ongoing intense clashes in the area, triggered by terrorist attacks directed by Hamas in Israel on October 7th resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of over 250 people, this development has emerged.

Despite numerous requests for a halt in violence from the international community, discussions persist between Israeli officials and Hamas delegates in order to secure the freedom of captured individuals and Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. According to Gaza’s health organization, the death toll for Gazans, primarily women and children, has reached almost 30,000.

Out of action

According to Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN aid coordination office, surgical intervention was needed for most, if not all, of the patients. However, due to limitations at Al Amal Hospital, this was not possible. Unfortunately, 31 non-critical patients were unable to receive treatment.

In Geneva, Mr. Laerke stated that the evacuation operation was reported to Israeli officials who recognized it as a standard procedure for avoiding conflicts.

However, the Israeli military did not provide any details or explanation as to why the ambulances were held for seven hours or why the paramedics were forced to undress, according to Mr. Laerke. Two of the paramedics have still not been released.

Mission of mercy

On Sunday, a convoy led by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) went to Al Amal Hospital to assist with development. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PCRS), a partner of the UN, helped evacuate 24 patients, including a pregnant woman, a mother, and a newborn.

The hospital in the southern city of Gaza, which is managed by PCRS, has been a primary target of military activity for the past month. According to a statement from the UN country team, the hospital has been attacked 40 times between January 22 and February 22, resulting in the death of at least 25 people. These repeated attacks have also caused health workers to fear leaving the hospital compound for several weeks.

The destruction of Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis was a major factor.

Willing to work

Today, in Gaza, out of the 36 hospitals, only 12 are partially operational according to Christian Lindmeier of the World Health Organization. He shared in a press conference in Geneva that half of the hospitals in the south and north have some functionality, but the remaining 23 are completely non-operational.

Fifteen more emergency medical teams have been sent to the southern part of Gaza, including four field hospitals with a total of 305 beds, as stated by Mr. Lindmeier. These are essential forms of assistance, however, it would be even more beneficial to restore the Gaza health system and bring all trained healthcare workers, who are currently willing to work despite the circumstances, back to functioning positions.

Beating the odds

Last Saturday, a UN relief operation arrived at Al Amal and effectively transported crucial medical supplies, medication, and antibiotics, as well as some provisions and resources for the generators.

“The medical staff confirmed that they were able to leave the hospital premises on Saturday, after being confined for a month. They were concerned for their safety due to ongoing fighting in the vicinity and the hospital being targeted multiple times.”

Before the war, the hospital had a capacity of 100 beds and primarily provided care for women and children, but also had the ability to address basic surgical and internal medicine needs, as well as offer specialized rehabilitation services. However, the bombing of the third floor resulted in severe damage, reducing the estimated bed capacity to 60.

Six United Nations organizations took part in the mission that provided sufficient resources to care for 50 individuals with traumatic injuries: the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS).

The number of strikes has risen along Lebanon’s ‘Blue Line’ border.

The United Nations peacekeepers expressed concern on Tuesday about an increase in conflicts along the border region, called the Blue Line, which divides Israel and Lebanon.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has issued a warning about an alarming change in the firing exchanges between the Hezbollah in south Lebanon and the Israeli military over the past few days.

UNIFIL stated that there had been a increase and escalation in attacks, and urged both parties to cease their fighting.

The United Nations reported that the ongoing conflict has resulted in a high number of casualties and has posed a threat to people’s livelihoods. It has also greatly affected tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the Blue Line due to escalating attacks from Hamas on Israel since last October.

The UN force cautioned that despite their efforts to reduce tensions and avoid misunderstandings, recent incidents could jeopardize finding a political resolution to the conflict. UNIFIL has maintained its involvement with both parties in this matter.

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