The ICRC is extremely worried about the evacuation orders around the Nasser Medical Complex (NMC). NMC is indispensable to the health system in Gaza – no other medical facilities can take in patients who need specialized care. It is critical that it remains open and accessible to medical personnel and patients.

“Repeated evacuation orders are isolating and undermining what little is left of the health-care system in Gaza. The remaining health-care facilities depend strongly on working together through transfer of patients, and exchanges of medical supplies and ambulance services,” said Adrian Zimmermann, ICRC head of sub-delegation in Gaza. “NMC is integral to this system. These widespread evacuation orders – even with temporary exemptions – create bottlenecks that risk many preventable deaths.”

NMC’s inability to operate would mean there is no place for the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah (RFH) to refer patients for specialized care. NMC also provides blood bank services for RFH to conduct blood transfusions and forensic services and management of the dead; its inability to operate will mean increased pressure on other, less equipped facilities.