Relentless bombardment, power outages, and severe shortages have rendered nearly every hospital in northern Gaza inoperable, with evidence of repeated attacks on and near medical facilities, despite the presence of doctors, patients, and civilians, according to a CNN analysis.
A review of 45 satellite images, 400 videos, and testimonies from doctors, eyewitnesses, and humanitarian organizations revealed that at least 20 of the 22 hospitals identified in northern Gaza were damaged or destroyed between October 7 and December 7. Fourteen of these hospitals sustained direct hits, and CNN verified this with the help of experts.
Israel began its aerial and ground offensive against Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 attack, which killed at least 1,200 people and saw over 240 taken hostage. The two-month conflict has resulted in over 23,400 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas. This escalation has left Gaza’s health system in tatters, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Israel asserts that Hamas uses hospitals for military purposes, including as command centers, weapons storage, and locations to hide hostages. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have released videos they claim to support these allegations, but the evidence remains inconclusive. Hamas has denied these claims.
CNN shared its findings on damaged or destroyed hospitals with the IDF, which responded that it did not conduct any targeted attacks against hospitals in the Gaza Strip and accused Hamas of systematically exploiting medical facilities. Despite this, the scale of destruction has significantly impacted civilians who depend on these hospitals for shelter and critical care.
Northern Gaza's devastated health infrastructure highlights the war’s widespread humanitarian toll. Thousands of civilians, already vulnerable due to the ongoing blockade and hostilities, now face reduced access to medical care during an unprecedented crisis. The broader implications for public health, including the increased spread of disease and challenges in managing injuries, are severe, further compounding the suffering of Gaza’s population.
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