Clinics shut down and aid warehouse raided as Israel intensifies attacks on Deir Al Balah
Medical Aid for Palestinians' staff were given only six hours to evacuate by the Israelis, according to Liz Allcock, the charity's head of humanitarian protection. Shelling is now taking place around the premises.
'Nine clinics, five shelters, and a vital community kitchen have been forced to shut down,' the group said. The facilities affected include a polyclinic that provides life-saving help along with physiotherapy and mental health services to an average of 320 patients a day.
The closure comes after the Israeli army launched ground operations in Deir Al Balah, an area of central Gaza it had not entered since the Gaza war began. Deir Al Balah plays host to most of the UN and international aid agencies operating in the enclave. It was previously designated a safe zone by Israel.
The clearance of the area means 88 per cent of Gaza is now under some sort of eviction order by Israel. A World Health Organisation (WHO) aid warehouse also fell victim to the Israeli military operation on Monday night when it was raided by Israeli forces.
Male staff and family members were 'handcuffed, stripped, interrogated on the spot and screened at gunpoint', the WHO said in a statement. One staff member is still in detention.
The warehouse was also sheltering displaced civilians. Women and children were told to move south towards Al Mawasi, where Israel's defence minister has announced plans for a camp to house 600,000 Palestinians.
The living quarters of the staff were attacked three times, while air strikes caused fires and extensive damage to the warehouse, the WHO said. 'The Israeli military entered the premises, forcing women and children to evacuate on foot towards Al Mawasi amid active conflict,' it added. The WHO called the episode 'part of a pattern of systemic destruction of health facilities'.
Israel has sought to shift aid operations in Gaza away from the UN and other established humanitarian groups by launching the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US and Israel-backed group.
But the GHF's operations have been marred by deaths near its aid sites, with the Israeli military accused of repeatedly opening fire on Palestinian civilians seeking supplies. More than 1,000 people have been killed since the end of May while seeking food from the GHF, the UN says.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with reports of children starving to death. Essential workers are fainting on duty due to hunger, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) chief Philippe Lazzarini said on Tuesday. The threat of air strikes was adding to the danger, added Ms Allcock.
'You cannot deliver medicine, water or nutritional supplements while under attack, or drive ambulances on streets with ground troops,' she said. But many workers were carrying on regardless, she added. 'People are telling us they'd rather die from bombing than slowly through starvation.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Zawya
Turkish Doctors Bring Hope to Patients in Tanzania
With the support of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), a healthcare initiative was carried out in Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania, offering free medical examinations, treatments, and medications to the local population. Held from June 29 to July 10, 2025, the comprehensive health campaign was organized in collaboration with TİKA and Yeryüzü Doktorları Association. In collaboration with TİKA and Yeryüzü Doktorları, a healthcare initiative was launched to provide medical examinations, treatment, and medications to the local population. The initiative provided vital medical services to residents of the region, prioritizing women, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses. In addition to general health check-ups, specialized care was offered in fields such as pediatrics, women's health, ophthalmology, and dentistry. The health initiative, supported by TİKA and carried out in cooperation with local health units, also featured short-term training seminars for local healthcare professionals, contributing to the long-term sustainability of medical services in the region. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Look: How this UAE hospital is bringing colour and hope to children's cancer unit
Yas Clinic Hospital and the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) have turned the walls of their pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit into a series of cheerful murals as part of a new initiative called 'Colours of Hope.' The project aims to brighten the treatment journey of young patients by surrounding them with images that spark imagination and build hope. It was launched under the UAE's Year of Community campaign and painted by Mariam AlHarthi, an Emirati artist and Yas Clinic employee. One wall features cartoon-style drawings of frontline workers standing beneath a falcon. Another shows a young Emirati boy and girl wandering through a desert and coming across a treasure chest near a watchtower and palm trees. A third painting shows two gazelles. According to a press release issued by ADSCC, the murals reflect themes of discovery, strength, and national pride, helping children imagine a future beyond illness. 'Every colour that brightens the walls of our pediatric bone marrow transplant unit reflects a powerful strength I witness daily in our young patients and in our medical team at Yas Clinic Hospital and Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre,' said Dr Fatema Al Kaabi, executive director of the Bone Marrow Transplant Programme. 'My ongoing wish is that these vibrant paintings breathe new hope into children as they go through their treatment. Through art and imagination, we strengthen each child's resolve and celebrate a unique journey toward healing.' Dr. Mansi Sachdev, consultant in Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, added: 'When a child enters the bone marrow transplant unit, the road ahead can seem so long and difficult. My hope is that, through 'Colours of Hope,' every child and their family finds in these paintings a source of happiness, strength, and inspiration. "These aren't just images on walls, they tell a story of renewed potential, opening a door to laughter and light even in the hardest times. We are here to heal their bodies, and with compassion and creativity, we care for their spirits as well.' ADSCC said the project is part of its ongoing effort to make the healing environment more child-friendly and emotionally supportive for both patients and their families.
The National
9 hours ago
- The National
Dubai Mallathon guide: Dates, locations, how to register and more
Dubai is getting a new community fitness event next month. Launched on Thursday by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the month-long event will allow people to run in the city's shopping centres during the summer heat. A fitness enthusiast and keen adventurer, Sheikh Hamdan is known for many of Dubai's health-focused activities, including the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge and its flagship events Dubai Run and Dubai Ride. Ahead of the first Dubai Mallathon, here's everything to know about the month-long initiative. What is Dubai Mallaton? A community event to help people stay active even during the summer months, Dubai Mallathon will give residents the chance to run, or walk, inside the city's cooled malls. Participants can pick from four categories: 2.5km run, 5km run, 10km run and any-pace walk, with free hydration stations provided at each of the start and finish areas. 'With the Dubai Mallathon, we're turning familiar spaces into places that inspire movement, connection and better habits,' Sheikh Hamdan said. 'We want everyone in Dubai to feel they can stay active and energised in welcoming spaces built with their needs in mind. This reflects our broader commitment to placing people and families at the heart of our development plans. 'This is a shared journey. We are all partners in transforming our city into the world's best place to live, work and visit.' When is it taking place? The first Dubai Mallathon will take place from August 1 to 31 across seven malls in the city. The events will start at 7am until 10am every morning, right before the malls open to shoppers. Which malls are participating? Seven malls will open their doors earlier than usual for runners and walkers. These include Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, the Springs Souk, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina Mall. Who can take part Dubai Mallathon is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels, from seasoned runners to those simply looking for a casual stroll. Entre is free but preregistration is required. How to register Participants can register on Registration closes at 11.54pm on August 30, or sooner if places sell out.
