The health care system in northern Gaza has been devastated by relentless hostilities, leaving civilians at extreme risk of being deprived of essential, life-saving care.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) urgently calls for the protection of medical facilities under international humanitarian law. This obligation is not only legal but also a moral necessity to safeguard human life.

Hospitals, once sanctuaries for the sick and injured, are now under immense strain. Al-Awda Hospital, one of the few still operational in northern Gaza, faces overwhelming pressure. Other key facilities, like Kamal Adwan and the Indonesian hospitals, have been rendered completely non-functional. For months, these hospitals have grappled with bombings, shortages, and the peril of treating patients amidst ongoing violence.

Patients now endure unimaginable hardships, with medical needs far outstripping available resources. The unrelenting influx of injured civilians, families seeking shelter, and displaced individuals has created an unsustainable burden for medical staff. Years of blockade have further depleted vital supplies of medicine, fuel, and food, leaving the system ill-equipped to handle the crisis.

The ICRC reaffirms its commitment to supporting Gaza’s health care services, ensuring the safety of medical personnel, and facilitating access to essential resources. Protecting health care is not optional—it is a lifeline for a besieged population.