In a harrowing scene that echoes the chaos of war, the surgical ward of Nasser Hospital lies in ruins, a stark reminder of the violence that has engulfed the region. An Israeli missile struck the facility on Sunday night, claiming two lives and injuring several others, further complicating an already dire medical situation.
Among the casualties was Mohammed Jihad al Rawyda, who was sitting with friends when the missile hit. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that the strike targeted Barhoum, a prominent figure in Hamas’ political bureau, claiming he was involved in military decision-making that influenced operations against Israel. They alleged that he was endangering civilians by being present in the hospital at the time of the attack.
However, medical staff contested this characterization, stating that Barhoum was receiving treatment for injuries, not working within the hospital. The IDF maintained that they aimed to minimize civilian casualties during the operation.
The hospital director, Marwan El Hamss, expressed deep concern over the extensive damage inflicted on the surgical ward, emphasizing that the already struggling facility would be severely impacted. “The closure of this section will negatively affect our medical activities and capacity,” he lamented. “We are already in a dire situation. The medical condition is very bad.”
El Hamss highlighted the critical shortages the hospital faced, including a lack of oxygen after previous strikes had damaged their oxygen supply department. “It is clear that the Israelis are systematically destroying the healthcare sector, whether on a small or large scale,” he stated, underscoring the urgent need for support amidst escalating humanitarian challenges.
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