In a devastating blow to Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system, Israel has bombed the Al-Quds Cancer Center, the only facility in the region dedicated to the treatment of cancer. The bombing has left hundreds of patients without the care they need and raised alarms about the safety of medical infrastructure in conflict zones.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Al-Quds Cancer Center, established in 2006, was a critical part of Gaza’s healthcare system. It provided specialized care to cancer patients who had no access to alternative treatments due to the blockade of the region and the lack of specialized medical centers. The hospital was a vital resource for patients suffering from various forms of cancer, providing treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The airstrike, which hit the hospital early in the morning, resulted in extensive damage to the building, reducing it to rubble. Eyewitnesses report hearing the sound of multiple explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke. Rescue operations were launched immediately, but the extent of the damage made it difficult for teams to recover any survivors.
While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have justified the attack by claiming that Hamas was using the hospital for military purposes, many medical experts in Gaza and human rights groups have strongly disputed this claim. According to local authorities and independent reports, the Al-Quds Cancer Center had been exclusively used for civilian medical purposes and had no military affiliation.
The destruction of the hospital has left thousands of cancer patients without access to vital treatment. With no other cancer treatment centers in Gaza, patients now face the grim reality of having their therapies suspended indefinitely. Many families are desperately seeking alternative options, but with limited resources and no functioning healthcare facilities, the prospects for these patients are bleak.
International organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), have condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law. The Geneva Conventions prohibit the targeting of medical facilities during armed conflict, and human rights groups are calling for an independent investigation into the incident.
The bombing of the Al-Quds Cancer Center is just the latest example of the destruction of healthcare infrastructure in Gaza. Over the course of the conflict, hospitals, clinics, and medical supplies have been severely damaged or destroyed, leaving the population without essential care. For many, the destruction of the cancer center represents the final blow in a healthcare system already on the brink of collapse.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community must act swiftly to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure that medical facilities are protected. The bombing of the Al-Quds Cancer Center is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war on civilians, and it underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
