Health care officials in northern Gaza warned of severe shortages in medical supplies on Wednesday as Israeli bombardment in the area intensified.
“We smell death everywhere in northern Gaza,” Dr. Mohamed Saleh, acting director of Al-Awda Hospital in Beit Lahiya told CNN over the phone, adding that ambulances are unable to transport the injured due to relentless Israeli attacks. The hospital faces severe shortages in staff, medical supplies, blood units, food for patients and fuel to activate medical devices, he said.
“We have nothing to provide for the patients and the injured.”
Repeated Israeli bombardment nearby has significantly damaged the hospital, he said, destroying patient accommodations and blocking access for emergency services.
At least 74 Palestinians were killed and 130 injured over the past 24 hours in Gaza, bringing the total death toll to 42,792 since October 7 last year, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza.
Kamal Adwan Hospital, also in Beit Lahiya, is facing severe shortages as well, its director Hussam Abu Safiya told CNN over the phone.
“We are sharing the few remaining items we have, like bread or anything we can find, as our supplies have run out,” he said, calling for protection for medical teams and the opening of safe corridors to deliver essential medical supplies, food, and fuel “before more lives are lost.”
“The humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza is at a breaking point,” he said.
CNN has reached out to the Israeli military for a comment on the intensive bombardment in northern Gaza.