Gaza – Saba:
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Friday expressed its deep concern over the Israeli evacuation orders for the areas surrounding Nasser Medical Complex in the Gaza Strip.
The ICRC said in a statement: "Nasser Medical Complex is an integral and indispensable part of what remains of the health system in Gaza. No other medical facility can receive patients requiring specialized care. It is essential that it remain operational and available to medical staff and patients."
Adrian Zimmerman, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Gaza, said: "The repeated evacuation orders are isolating and undermining what remains of the health care system in Gaza. The remaining health care facilities are highly dependent on each other for their work, including patient referrals, exchange of medical supplies, and ambulance services."
He added, "The Nasser Medical Complex is an integral part of this system, and these widespread evacuation orders—even with temporary exceptions—create a stifling pressure that puts patients' lives at risk when this could have been avoided."
Zimmerman pointed out that the closure of the Nasser Medical Complex means there is no place to refer patients from the Red Cross field hospital in Rafah to receive specialized care, including blood transfusions.
He stated that the Nasser Medical Complex provides forensic and mortuary services, and its closure will increase the pressure on other, less well-equipped facilities.
The statement emphasized that the Red Cross field hospital staff are working under extremely dangerous conditions, as stray bullets constantly enter the hospital, endangering the lives of patients and staff.
He warned that the hostilities in the area have disrupted communications and the internet, making communication between and within different locations extremely difficult.
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