Israel has issued a two-hour ultimatum to evacuate Al Awda Hospital in Northern Gaza, according to a statement from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The humanitarian organization has condemned this action, expressing outrage at the continued indiscriminate bloodshed and attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza.
In a tweet, MSF International (@MSF) stated, “Israel has given Al Awda Hospital just two hours to evacuate. Our staff are still treating patients. We unequivocally condemn this action, the continued indiscriminate bloodshed and attacks on healthcare in Gaza. We are trying to protect our staff and patients.”
MSF General Director Meinie Nicolai described the Israeli order to evacuate northern Gaza as “outrageous” and an attack on medical care and humanity. Nicolai emphasized the dehumanizing language used and expressed concern about the humanitarian impact of the situation, stating, “Gaza is being flattened, thousands of people are dying, this must stop now. We condemn Israel’s demand in the strongest possible terms.”
MSF confirmed that its international teams, consisting of around twenty people based in the north of Gaza, have moved to the south of the Strip. The organization is actively working to verify the situation of its Palestinian staff, with some attempting to leave for the south with their families.
The evacuation order from the Israeli army affects 1.1 million people in the north of the Gaza Strip. MSF called the ultimatum “outrageous and irresponsible,” expressing concern that regrouping such a large number of people in a confined area will worsen the preexisting humanitarian crisis.
MSF officially requested the identification of safe zones unaffected by the conflict for populations unable to flee, including hospitals. The organization remains committed to providing medical care to the affected population and calls for an immediate end to the violence.
