WHO Reveals The Latest Situation Of Al-Ahli Gaza Hospital After Israel's Attack

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed the current condition of al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza which was badly damaged by Israeli airstrikes. WHO said the situation at the hospital was already in unsophisticated condition.

"Day after day we witnessed attacks on hospitals, medics, and health facilities. This is unacceptable," said Dr. Margaret Harris, a WHO spokesman, to the BBC.

According to reports, the missile attack that took place on Sunday, April 13 at midnight destroyed a two-story genetic laboratory and damaged pharmacies and emergency rooms. The attack was the fifth against al-Ahli hospitals since Gaza's conflict heated up again in October 2023.

Jerusalem's Anglican Diocese, which runs al-Ahli hospitals, said the Israeli military only provided 20 minutes for staff and patients to evacuate before the attack was carried out. Although there were no immediate casualties from the attack, a child who had previously suffered a head injury was reported to have died due to a hasty evacuation process.

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed that the emergency room, laboratory, X-ray machine, and pharmacy at the hospital had been destroyed. A total of 50 patients had to be transferred to another hospital, but 40 patients were in critical condition unable to be transferred.

"Hospitals are protected based on international humanitarian law. Attacks on health services must be stopped. Once again we emphasize that patients, health workers, and hospitals must be protected," said Dr. Tedros.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military claimed the attack targeted Hamas' center of command and control of terror, and stated that no medical activity was taking place in the building being attacked. They also said they had given an initial warning before Israel launched an attack that was called a precision attack.

However, the British Church responded strongly to this claim. In an official statement, bishops expressed their sadness, anger, and concern over the attack on the hospital.

"Israel has not provided clear and convincing evidence that the hospital is being used for military purposes," the official statement said.

They also criticized the short evacuation time given.

"A very limited time for staff and patients to leave the hospital is a form of violation of human rights and basic human dignity," the statement added.

Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in Gaza, warned that al-Ahli hospitals are now unable to accept new patients.

"Al-Ahli is the main trauma hospital north of Wadi Gaza and the only one with a CT scan that works in the region," he said.

He also highlighted the scarcity of medical supplies that were getting worse due to the Israeli blockade. The WHO has supplies in Deir al-Balah's warehouse, southern Gaza, but its distribution is hampered.

"We have gloves and surgical dresses in the warehouse, but we can't send them because they are not facilitated," said Dr. Peeperkorn.

An orthopedic doctor in al-Ahli, Dr. Ahmed al-Shurufa, said the condition of treatment for the remaining patients was far from medical standards.

"We cannot carry out operations because there is no more support for laboratories, pharmacies, or emergency referrals. Our services are now more like lodging," he said.

Attacks on health facilities in Gaza have come under international criticism, especially after previous incidents that also targeted hospitals and medical personnel.

WHO and humanitarian agencies have called for an end to attacks on health facilities and protection against civilians and medical personnel in conflict areas.