In a high-risk mission led by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 21 October, 14 patients and 10 caregivers were transferred from Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, as hostilities in the region continued to escalate. 

The mission took place under severe access restrictions, and despite an initial agreement, the delivery of critical medical supplies, blood, and fuel necessary to keep Kamal Adwan and Al-Awda hospitals operational was denied just hours before the mission began on 20 October.

Over the course of two days, the mission team faced repeated delays at multiple checkpoints and underwent extensive security screenings. Forced to stay overnight at Kamal Adwan Hospital due to ongoing conflict, the team endured heavy bombardment near the hospital, which heightened the distress of patients, health workers, and the mission team. By midday on 21 October, the team was cleared to proceed to Al-Shifa Hospital. However, during the journey, all patients had to undergo security screenings outside the ambulances, with some lying on stretchers on the ground. WHO staff reported instances of partner personnel being subjected to humiliating treatment during the ordeal.

This mission marks the fourth WHO-led effort to North Gaza since 1 October. Out of the 21 missions requested by WHO this month, only six have been facilitated, with the majority either denied or impeded by restrictions.

Kamal Adwan Hospital Struggles Amid Hostilities

Kamal Adwan Hospital continues to operate but is under immense strain due to a shortage of supplies and intensified fighting in the region. The hospital, which currently has 95 patients, including 15 in intensive care, is struggling to meet the growing medical demands. Over the last two days, 200 severely injured individuals and 53 dead bodies have overwhelmed the hospital's capacity.

A recent strike near Kamal Adwan Hospital on 22 October caused damage to the hospital gate, adding to the growing concerns over its ability to function. Damaged roads and ongoing hostilities are severely impeding access to the hospital, creating additional challenges for patients, ambulances, and health workers. Without the ability to resupply and ensure safe access, the hospital faces the risk of becoming non-operational.

WHO Urges for Protection and Ceasefire

As violence escalates in North Gaza, WHO has raised alarms about the dire situation of the last two operational hospitals in the region—Kamal Adwan and Al-Awda. WHO emphasizes that a complete collapse of healthcare in the north would exacerbate the already catastrophic situation, potentially leading to more loss of life.

One year into the conflict, health facilities continue to face attacks and a severe lack of supplies and fuel. WHO’s ability to reach health centers has been significantly compromised, with repeated mission delays and denials. 

In response, WHO has reiterated its urgent call for unimpeded access to healthcare facilities, reliable mission facilitation, a sustained flow of aid into Gaza, protection of health services, and, above all, an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.