Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesia Hospital in Northern Gaza was attacked by Israeli forces on Saturday (19/10/2024), as reported by Gaza's Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Yousef Abu Rish.

"The upper floors of the Indonesia Hospital were targeted by Israeli artillery fire," he confirmed after speaking directly with the hospital's medical staff, noting that gunfire was audible during their conversation.

In addition to targeting the hospital, Israeli forces reportedly attacked a group of refugees gathered at the hospital's entrance, causing widespread panic among patients and medical personnel, acording to antaranews.com.

Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan, the hospital director, said that the artillery strike caused a power outage and endangered the lives of 40 patients and 15 medical staff present at the hospital.

In response, the Palestinian Ministry of Health has urged medical staff worldwide to express solidarity with hospitals in Gaza and denounce Israel's actions against the Palestinian people.

This attack occurred amid a nearly two-week siege of Northern Gaza that began on 5 October 2024. Israeli forces had ordered three operational hospitals, including the Indonesia Hospital, to evacuate southward, threatening to destroy them if the order was disobeyed. 

Currently, four Indonesian MER-C volunteers remain in Gaza for humanitarian efforts, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)