ISTANBUL

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed shock Sunday over recent events unfolding at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, which was extensively damaged by the Israeli army during a raid on Dec. 12.

The hospital has been rendered non-functional and at least eight deaths have been reported.

Ghebreyesus shared his thoughts on the incidents at the hospital on X.

"WHO is appalled by the effective destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza over the last several days, rendering it non-functional and resulting in the death of at least 8 patients,” he said.

"Many health workers were reportedly detained, and WHO and partners are urgently seeking information on their status.”

He expressed concern that due to ambulances being unable to reach the facility, many patients were forced to evacuate themselves, putting their health and safety at significant risk.

"Of the deceased patients, several died due to lack of adequate health care, including a 9-year-old child," he said.

Expressing deep concern for the well-being of displaced people reported to have sought refuge in the hospital building, Tedros said: "Gaza’s health system was already on its knees, and the loss of another even minimally functioning hospital is a severe blow. Attacks on hospitals, health personnel and patients must end. Cease-fire NOW," he added.

On Dec. 12, the Israeli military raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, announcing the detention of 90 individuals before withdrawing.

Following the Israeli withdrawal, Palestinian journalist Anas al-Sharif, who entered the hospital, said on X that dozens of displaced, sick and wounded people were buried alive.