The Israeli military’s “limited operation” in Rafah, Gaza Strip, has had devastating consequences for medical workers and patients, with airstrikes killing 58 people and forcing hospitals to evacuate patients. The situation has also limited access to basic health services, leaving many vulnerable.
Medical staff at Abu Yousef al-Najjar Hospital rushed to relocate patients as Israeli forces targeted the area. Project HOPE, a U.S.-based aid group, had to shut down clinics in the evacuation zone, impacting the care of displaced Palestinians.
Delegations of doctors trying to enter Gaza to support overwhelmed hospitals were forced to turn back, as the security situation worsened. The closure of the Rafah crossing further complicates efforts to provide medical aid to those in need.
The level of anxiety is high among medical workers and their Palestinian partners, as they wait to see what will happen next. Despite the challenges, they remain committed to providing care to those in need.
The situation in Rafah is dire, with medical workers facing obstacles in delivering essential care to those affected by the conflict. The international community must step up to support these efforts and ensure that medical aid reaches those who need it most.
