Two of northern Gaza’s last functioning hospitals—the Indonesian Hospital and al-Awda Hospital—have been encircled by Israeli forces, leaving patients and staff stranded without adequate supplies or escape routes.
The Indonesian Hospital, once the largest medical facility in the region, suffered critical damage after airstrikes on May 20 destroyed its generators, cutting power and water supplies. Bulldozers had earlier breached its perimeter walls, with tanks stationed nearby.
Al-Awda Hospital, a key provider of obstetric and orthopedic services, faced drone strikes on May 19 that injured a security guard and damaged ambulances attempting to evacuate casualties. Staff report no remaining ambulances or internet access, with 47 patients—including 20 children and pregnant women—trapped inside.
Military Operations and Evacuation Orders
Israel issued evacuation orders for northern Gaza on May 16 and May 20, designating both hospitals as part of an active combat zone. While not explicitly ordering hospital evacuations, Israeli operations have rendered the facilities inoperable. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that hostilities and military presence near hospitals obstruct access to care and resupply efforts, pushing Gaza’s health system “beyond the breaking point” . The Indonesian Hospital’s director described direct targeting of its intensive care unit, while al-Awda’s staff reported tanks and drones firing at movement near the premises.
Humanitarian Impact and Accusations
The siege has exacerbated Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, with the UN warning of a “total shutdown” of the health system. Only 20 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional, most of which can be considered dispensaries and clinics, and WHO has documented nearly 700 attacks on health facilities since October 2023. Humanitarian groups accuse Israel of systematically dismantling healthcare infrastructure to force displacement, a claim Israel denies, asserting Hamas uses hospitals for military purposes. However, evidence for such claims remains limited, and Palestinian officials label the actions collective punishment.
Broader Conflict Context
The hospital sieges coincide with Israel’s expanded military campaign to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. Since hostilities resumed in March 2024, over 3,500 Palestinians have been killed, raising the total death toll to 53,655, mostly women and children. Ceasefire talks remain deadlocked, with Hamas demanding full Israeli withdrawal and Israel insisting on hostage returns and Hamas disarmament. A proposed U.S.-backed aid initiative has stalled due to disputes over distribution and fears of militarized aid.