In Gaza City, the Al-Quds hospital remains standing on the once bustling Tal el Hawa road, despite having its windows shattered and parts of its sign missing. The hospital continues to offer treatment and refuge to those in need.
The surroundings of the hospital are filled with personal belongings of displaced individuals, such as blankets, mats, and wood, indicating the struggles faced by the residents. The street, once a vibrant part of Gaza, now lies in ruins after enduring nearly three years of conflict, with many buildings reduced to mere shells.
Due to the dire situation, Palestinians have resorted to seeking shelter in unconventional ways, with many choosing to dwell outside the hospital in the hope of finding safety from the ongoing bombings and rocket attacks.
During a recent ceasefire, Israel withdrew from the northern region, allowing residents to return temporarily. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of an intensified ground offensive in Gaza City has sparked fear among the population, leading to the issuance of warnings urging Palestinians to evacuate the area.
Despite the escalating crisis, thousands of Palestinians are struggling to flee to safer locations due to the exorbitant costs involved. Families taking refuge near Al-Quds hospital express concerns about their precarious situation, having experienced multiple displacements and feeling unsafe in any part of Gaza.
Amidst the chaos, UN experts have condemned Israel’s attacks on hospitals as “medicide,” accusing the country of deliberately targeting healthcare facilities and personnel to undermine medical services in the region. The international humanitarian law prohibits the targeting of hospitals and schools during armed conflicts, emphasizing the sanctity of these institutions in times of war.
As tensions escalate, families outside Al-Quds hospital express their desperation, facing the harsh reality that leaving the premises could expose them to greater danger. The residents are torn between the risks of staying and the uncertainties of venturing out into the conflict-ridden areas, with many feeling trapped and yearning for an end to the relentless violence.
