Patients transferred, critical supplies denied as high-risk, on WHO-led joint mission in northern Gaza amid intense hostilities

On 21 October, 14 patients and 10 caregivers were transferred from Kamal Adwan in North Gaza to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City during a high-risk, WHO-led joint mission, amid intense hostilities and access restrictions. Despite an initial agreement, the delivery of critical medical supplies, blood, and fuel – resources essential for keeping Kamal Adwan and Al-Awda hospitals operational – was denied just a few hours before the mission began on 20 October. 

The mission lasted two days, with the team facing delays at successive checkpoints, and during extensive security screenings. The team was forced to stay overnight at Kamal Adwan Hospital, as they were not cleared to proceed to Al-Shifa hospital due to active conflict in the area. Heavy bombardment continued near the hospital throughout the night, causing distress among patients, health workers and the mission team. The team was only able to proceed to Al-Shifa Hospital around midday on 21 October. En route to Al-Shifa, all patients were taken out of the ambulances for a security screening. Some patients on stretchers were left lying on the ground for some time during the screening was conducted, while some partner staff were subjected to humiliating treatment.  

This was the fourth WHO mission to the north of Gaza since 1 October. So far this month, out of the 21 missions requested by WHO, only 6 were facilitated, the majority being denied or impeded.  

Kamal Adwan Hospital remains partially functional but is struggling to meet growing needs due to intensified hostilities in the north and a shortage of medical supplies and fuel. A strike near the hospital causing damages to the gate was reported earlier today, 22 October. Currently, there are 95 patients in the hospital, including 15 in intensive care (including four requiring continuous life support) seven of whom are children. Over the last two days, at least 200 severely injured people and 53 dead bodies have been brought to the already overwhelmed hospital. Damaged roads, combined with ongoing hostilities, are severely disrupting safe access to the hospital. If patients, ambulances, and health workers are unable to reach the facility, and partners cannot resupply it, the hospital may soon become non-functional. 

As hostilities intensify in North Gaza, WHO is deeply concerned about the last two functional hospitals – Kamal Adwan and Al-Awda – which must be protected. A complete lack of health care in North Gaza would make an already catastrophic situation worse, and lead to more lives being lost. 

One year on, health care continues to be attacked and deprived of supplies and fuel, while WHO’s ability to regularly reach health facilities is severely compromised due to mission delays and denials.  

WHO reiterates its call for unimpeded access to health facilities, reliable and timely facilitation of missions, sustained flow of aid into and across Gaza, protection of health care, and above all a ceasefire.