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Rabat – The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) have issued evacuation orders for the Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah raising international concerns about the collapse of the already strained medical system in Gaza.
Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum reported that the medical staff received the order today, noting that the IOF had not contacted the hospital’s director until now.
Medics fear that an attack on the hospital would lead to a complete breakdown of the limited medical infrastructure in Rafah, Azzoum added.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry warned that the strip’s health system could collapse within hours if fuel for hospital generators is not secured. Without electricity, hospitals, ambulances, and essential services would be severely compromised, the ministry added.
The hospital evacuation order comes in the wake of escalating aggression from Israeli forces, which began last week with orders for residents in eastern Rafah to evacuate as the IOF started its ground offensive.
Subsequently, Israel expanded its attacks to target various parts of Rafah, intensifying airstrikes and ground attacks.
UNRWA reported that nearly 360,000 people have fled Rafah since Israel issued evacuation orders on May 6. The agency highlighted the lack of safety and the urgent need for a ceasefire.
Meanwhile in northern Gaza, there were reports of fierce fighting in Jabalia after Israeli forces re-entered areas reportedly controlled by Hamas. The IOF left the area months ago after it had claimed to have defeated Hamas there.
Tanks were seen advancing today towards Jabalia’s refugee camp, which has been under heavy bombardment since Saturday.
Israeli forces continued their attacks on the Jabalia refugee camp and intensified airstrikes on Gaza City.
At least three people were killed in the Sabra neighborhood, and one in the Shujayea neighborhood, Al Jazeera reported today.
Meanwhile in south and central Rafah, air attacks persist, which have resulted in casualties, including a strike on a medical center in the Bureij refugee camp and targeted residential buildings in east Rafah.
