On 23 January, the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for areas of Khan Younis where Nasser Hospital, Al Amal Hospital, and the Jordanian Field Hospital are located, which represent 20% of the remaining hospital capacity in the whole of Gaza.

The UN also reports that Al Kheir Hospital was raided by the Israeli military on 22 January, with women and children forced to evacuate and staff arrested and detained. This comes amid relentless airstrikes, shelling and military activity in Khan Younis which has killed dozens of people, including internally displaced people, women and children.

Melanie Ward, MAP’s CEO, said: “MAP has been warning about the imminent danger facing Nasser Hospital and other hospitals in the south for weeks. World leaders stood idly by as Israeli forces dismantled the health system in the north of Gaza, and now we fear the same will be repeated in the south.”

“Without urgent action, the lives of dedicated staff and the hundreds of patients still inside these hospitals are at risk, along with the thousands of injured and sick people who depend on their services. The international community must stand up for the sanctity of healthcare, and act urgently to ensure its protection in Gaza.” 

MAP is calling on our leaders in the UK to immediately intervene to save Gaza’s hospitals. Please email your MP here.