Four hostages freed and hundreds of dead and injured people – that is the result so far today in Gaza. Two CADUS teams support the care of patients in Gaza at Al-Aqsa and Al-Awda hospitals. We are shocked by the violence and ruthlessness with which this war is being fought and once again demand the unconditional protection of civilians, the immediate release of all hostages and unrestricted access for medical and humanitarian responders throughout Gaza.

The Al-Aqsa and Al-Awda hospitals are flooded with patients, every centimeter is being used for care. Al-Aqsa Hospital, Gaza. Photo: CADUS

Today’s events show the core of the current conflict as if under a burning glass: since the early hours of this morning, the Israeli military has been able to free four hostages in a rescue operation. However, the joy over this news does not last long in view of the Palestinian civilian victims and the indiscriminate military action of the Israeli armed forces.

Numerous targets around the Al-Aqsa and Al-Awda hospitals were bombed, and ground troops also advanced around Al-Awda to free the hostages. The director of the Al-Awda hospital tells us of 250 injured and 120 dead: “This is perhaps the worst day for Nuseirat and Deir al Balah since this war began.” We do not currently have exact figures for Al-Aqsa, but here too we must assume that hundreds of people were injured. Our teams support the local staff in the completely overcrowded emergency rooms of both hospitals.

Hospitals, which are already underserved, are unable to cope with this large influx of patients. Our teams provide support where they can, but the lack of staff and materials in view of this number of patients is obvious. Any hospital in the world would be overstrained here. Al-Aqsa Hospital, Gaza. Photo: CADUS

Due to the location of the Al-Awda hospital outside the humanitarian zone, it is not possible for us to send support there, despite the available resources. Any movement in this area must be requested 24 hours in advance from the Israeli military. In consultation with the WHO, we are currently trying to organize a material transport to Al-Awda for tomorrow morning.

The exact number of fatalities is not yet known, but well over a hundred deaths seem certain. People commemorate the victims in front of the Al-Aqsa Hospital. Photo: CADUS

Today’s events, just 24 hours after yesterday’s bombing of a UN-run school in Gaza that left 40 dead, show once again that there are currently no safe places in Gaza! Military action can occur at any time and in any place. The towns and villages are overcrowded with displaced people, among them time and again Hamas fighters. Any military action in these areas inevitably leads to injuries and deaths.

We urge you once again:
– the protection of the civilian population by all parties to the conflict,
– the release of all hostages,
– and unhindered humanitarian access to all of Gaza!