In the midst of Israel’s relentless assault on the Gaza Strip, the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya, located in the northern part of the besieged territory, has been forced to shut its doors. Hospital director Atef al-Kahlout revealed that the facility is now “completely out of service” due to a severe shortage of supplies and an overwhelming number of patients. The dire situation has left 45 patients in urgent need of surgical intervention, with the hospital grappling to provide even basic care amid the ongoing crisis.
Overwhelmed Facilities and Lack of Supplies
As the Israeli assault continues, haunting footage from the Indonesian Hospital reveals the grim reality within its walls. The hospital, designed to accommodate 140 patients, currently houses a staggering 500 individuals. Wounded Palestinians line the hallways, lying amid pools of blood, illustrating the overwhelming pressure on the medical staff. Director al-Kahlout emphasizes that the hospital’s departments are now “unable to carry out their work” due to the critical shortage of supplies, leaving health workers struggling to tend to the injured.
Urgent Plea for Assistance and Capacity Constraints
With 45 patients in need of immediate surgical intervention, the hospital director issues a desperate plea, urging ambulances not to bring any more wounded individuals to the facility. The lack of capacity has reached a breaking point, as the hospital can no longer offer beds or perform essential medical procedures. Health workers on the ground stress the critical shortage of supplies, citing the absence of beds, medicine, and even intensive care units, leaving patients in dire conditions.
Allegations and Denials Amidst the Chaos
Amidst the chaos, the Indonesian Hospital faces allegations from Israel, claiming that it is being used to “hide an underground command and control centre” for Hamas. Israeli forces have targeted the vicinity of the hospital multiple times, resulting in civilian casualties. However, Palestinian officials and the Indonesian group funding the hospital vehemently reject these claims. The hospital, near the Jabalia refugee camp, has also provided shelter to hundreds of displaced people, further complicating the already dire situation.
As hospitals across Gaza struggle to cope with the escalating violence, concerns are growing for civilians trapped in the largest medical complex, al-Shifa Hospital. Israel alleges that al-Shifa harbors a Hamas command center, a claim the group denies. The unfolding crisis in Gaza’s Indonesian Hospital underscores the urgent need for international attention and aid as the region teeters on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.
