The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a military operation around the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza on Friday, targeting Hamas operatives and infrastructure. The operation, however, has rendered the last major health facility in northern Gaza non-operational, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). “This morning’s raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital has put this last major health facility in north Gaza out of service. Initial reports indicate that some key departments were severely burnt and destroyed during the raid,” the WHO said in a statement on X.

The IDF stated that the operation is focused on targeted actions while taking measures to minimise harm to civilians, patients, and medical personnel. “While maintaining ongoing communication with hospital officials, the IDF and @cogatonline continue to make extensive efforts to enable patients to continue receiving care in other hospitals by facilitating the evacuation of patients from the Kamal Adwan Hospital, the ongoing transfer of supplies, food, and fuel to the area, and the restoration of operations of hospitals in the area,” it said in a post on X.

The WHO said 60 health workers and 25 patients in a critical condition, including those on ventilators, reportedly remain in the hospital. The patients in moderate to severe condition were forced to evacuate to the destroyed and non-functional Indonesian Hospital, the UN health agency said, adding that it was “deeply concerned for their safety”.

Israel’s Unit for the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) confirmed it is working with health authorities and international organizations to evacuate patients from the hospital. COGAT, which coordinates with the Palestinian Authority and reports to Israel’s Minister of Defence, alleged the Kamal Adwan Hospital “serves as a Hamas terrorist stronghold in northern Gaza, from which terrorists have been operating throughout the war.”

Highlighting past operations in the area, COGAT noted that in October 2024, the hospital was identified as a key base for terrorist activities. “Hamas systematically violates international law by abusing civilian infrastructure and the Gazan population as shields for its terrorist activities,” COGAT added.

The IDF reiterated its commitment to adhering to international law concerning medical facilities. “The IDF will continue to act in accordance with international law regarding medical facilities, including those where Hamas has chosen to embed its military infrastructure and conduct terrorist activities in blatant violation of international law,” the statement read.

This military operation follows Israeli Air Force strikes on Houthi military infrastructure in Yemen a day earlier, targeting sites including Sana’a International Airport and key ports on the western coast. These attacks were reportedly aimed at dismantling Houthi capabilities used for military activities.