Gaza's final cancer clinic shutters due to aggressions

Last Cancer Clinic in Gaza Shuts Down After Devastating Attacks

Gaza's final cancer clinic shutters due to aggressions

In disturbing news, the European Hospital, Gaza's last beacon of hope for vital heart and cancer treatments, has been forced to close its doors following severe damage inflicted by Israeli military forces. The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, broke the news that the Israeli attacks on May 13, 2025, left the hospital complex in ruins.1

Israeli forces, in a statement, justified their "precise" attack on Hamas terrorists near the hospital, but independent verification is impossible. The disastrous aftermath resulted in the loss of critical healthcare services such as neurosurgery, heart treatment, and cancer treatment—none of which are currently available elsewhere in Gaza.1

Doctors Without Borders, in a statement, referred to the European Hospital as one of the last surviving pillars of the damaged health system in Gaza. The Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis remains the last active clinic, but also faced devastation on the same day when Israeli forces allegedly targeted Hamas terrorists, claiming misuse of hospitals for terrorist purposes.1

Since March 18, 2025, Israel has resumed its offensive in the Gaza Strip, following a two-month ceasefire. The escalation included a plan for the "conquest" of Gaza, with a ban on humanitarian aid deliveries since March 2, 2025.1

The destruction of the European Hospital carries disastrous consequences for the healthcare system in Gaza, as it was the only facility providing cancer treatment in the region. With this clinic gone, access to specialized oncological care has effectively vanished, adding further strain to an already fragile healthcare system.1

As the situation unfolds, more details emerge about the fatal consequences of the Israeli airstrike. A freelance journalist working for the BBC was among the casualties, with bodies scattered throughout the hospital compound, making recovery and medical operations nearly impossible.1

In light of these events, calls for the protection of hospitals have intensified. "They must never be militarized or attacked," emphasized the WHO chief.

Footnotes:[1]: The European Hospital in Gaza, which was the last cancer clinic in the region, was destroyed and closed due to an Israeli airstrike on May 13, 2025. This strike killed at least 28 people and wounded many others, including a freelance journalist working for the BBC. The attack caused severe damage to the hospital complex, scattering bodies throughout and hampering recovery and medical operations[1]. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strike targeted a tunnel in which Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar was reportedly located, considering it a military objective. Hamas denied having military installations within the hospital and accused Israel of deliberately trying to disable the hospital's medical services[1]. The destruction of the European Hospital has grave implications for healthcare in Gaza, as it was the last facility providing cancer treatment. With this clinic gone, access to specialized oncological care in Gaza is effectively eliminated, further straining the already overwhelmed healthcare system, which is already struggling due to ongoing conflict and limited resources. Medical facilities like the Nasser Hospital have been swamped by casualties from the strike and other conflict-related injuries, highlighting the critical shortage of medical infrastructure and services in Gaza[1].

Related Terms:- Hospital- Gaza- Middle East Conflict- Hamas- Israel- Humanitarian Aid- World Health Organization- Doctors Without Borders

1. The devastating attacks on the European Hospital in Gaza, the last cancer clinic in the region, have led to a critical shortage of oncological care, as the destruction has eliminated access to specialized treatments.
2. The World Health Organization (WHO) is advocating for the protection of hospitals from militarization and attacks, emphasizing their importance in health policy and the overall health and wellness of the community.
3. The closure of the European Hospital, which provided critical cancer treatment, is another example of the impact of politics on medical-conditions, as the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel contributes to the deterioration of healthcare infrastructure in Gaza.

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