Safety concerns over nearby missile strikes forced Caritas Jerusalem staff to evacuate two medical points in southern Gaza on the weekend. Source: Caritas Australia.
The evacuated areas in Khan Yunis were the Elshafie’ Camp, just 2 kilometres from the strikes, and the Elhayat Camp, six kilometres away.
At the time of the evacuation, 14 Caritas Jerusalem staff members were present at both medical points.
Caritas Australia received an incident report: “Saturday, July 13, 2024, was expected to be like any other morning for the medical teams at Caritas, who have endured 276 days of the war on Gaza. However, an incident in the Mawasi Khan Yunis area, home to two of our medical units, drastically altered the day.”
Despite the area being designated safe for humanitarian aid, successive missile fire landed around the medical units, resulting in many casualties, including deaths and injuries to children, women, pregnant women, and the elderly.
“The scene was horrifying, with tens of dead bodies and hundreds of injured people scattered everywhere. The cries for help from the wounded were heart-wrenching,” the incident report stated.
“The bombardment struck people inside their makeshift tents. Defence vehicles were also targeted, exacerbating the chaos. Civilians and ambulances rushed to evacuate victims and the injured, but the response was minimal compared to the overwhelming number of casualties.”
This attack led to widespread fear and panic, forcing the evacuation of the two medical units, along with all patients and medical staff to ensure their safety.
This attack follows a similar incident less than a week prior, where the Holy Family School in Gaza, a property of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem sheltering hundreds of civilians, was bombarded.
Caritas Australia’s humanitarian emergencies lead Sally Thomas said: “We are holding our colleagues in Gaza in our hearts this week, following this sobering reminder of the constant danger they operate under. With no true safe areas in the region, a ceasefire is the only way to ensure the lives of civilians are protected.”
To support Caritas Australia’s Gaza Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/gaza
FULL STORY
Bombardments see Caritas partners evacuate medical points in Khan Younis, southern Gaza (Caritas Australia)
