Gaza Hospitals Shut Down as Israeli Military Offensive Intensifies
Four hospitals in northern Gaza, including Al Rantisi Children's Hospital and St. John Eye Hospital, have been put out of service since September 1 as the Israeli military offensive intensifies, according to United Nations sources.
Hospitals Forced Out of Service in North Gaza
Four major hospitals in northern Gaza—Al Rantisi Children's Hospital, the Ophthalmic Hospital, St. John Eye Hospital, and Al Rantisi Children's Hospital—have been rendered non-operational since September 1, according to the United Nations. The UN reported that these facilities, which provided essential medical services to the local population, are no longer able to function due to the ongoing Israeli military offensive in the region. The shutdown of these hospitals has severely limited access to healthcare for residents in northern Gaza, as stated by UN officials.
UN sources specified that the affected hospitals include specialized institutions such as the Ophthalmic Hospital and St. John Eye Hospital, which served critical roles in providing eye care and pediatric services. The disruption of these services has heightened concerns among international humanitarian organizations about the well-being of civilians in the area. The United Nations emphasized the urgent need for protection of medical infrastructure and personnel in conflict zones.
International Response and Humanitarian Impact
The United Nations has called attention to the consequences of the hospital closures, noting that the loss of pediatric and ophthalmic care has left vulnerable populations, including children, without access to necessary treatment. UN officials have reiterated appeals for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of medical facilities and staff. The shutdown of these hospitals is part of a broader pattern of attacks on healthcare infrastructure in Gaza, which the UN has documented since the escalation of hostilities.
The UN's documentation of the closure of Al Rantisi Children's Hospital and other facilities underscores the scale of the healthcare crisis facing Gaza's residents. Humanitarian agencies warn that the inability to access hospital care could lead to increased mortality and suffering among civilians, particularly those with chronic conditions or urgent medical needs. The United Nations continues to monitor the situation and advocate for the restoration of medical services in the affected areas.
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