Israeli army blocks water supply to Jenin Hospital, threatening kidney dialysis services
Occupied West Bank (Quds News Network)- The Israeli army blocked the water supply to Jenin Governmental Hospital on Saturday, putting kidney dialysis services at risk. The ongoing Israeli attacks on the city have already strained local resources, and this latest action further endangers the lives of patients.
The Israeli forces have prevented the Civil Defense water tankers from reaching the Jenin Governmental Hospital. Speaking to the Anadolu Agency, the head of Jenin’s Civil Defense Center, Durgam Zakarneh, stated that Israeli soldiers stationed at the hospital’s gate blocked the delivery of water needed for hospital operations. Zakarneh highlighted the critical need for water, noting that the dialysis unit requires 100 cubic meters (100,000 liters) of water daily to function.
Wissam Baker, the director of Jenin Governmental Hospital, warned that the dialysis services could come to a halt if the Israeli blockade on water delivery continues. He emphasized the urgent need for water, pointing out that the hospital has been suffering from severe water shortages for the past four days due to the destruction of the main water line feeding the facility, caused by Israeli military practices.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported receiving alerts about injuries in Al-Damaj neighborhood in Jenin. However, Israeli forces have obstructed medical teams from accessing the area, refusing to coordinate the evacuation of the injured. Additionally, the Red Crescent reported that an Israeli army fired on one of its ambulances, despite prior coordination for its entry into the Jenin refugee camp.
The latest offensive by Israel in the northern West Bank, described as the largest since 2002, began early Wednesday. Large Israeli forces stormed the cities of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Al-Far’a refugee camp near Tubas. The operation has resulted in the death of 20 Palestinians by Friday evening, as reported by the Ministry of Health. In Jenin, Israeli forces have intensified their assault, deploying armored units and air support to the city and launching attacks in the eastern neighborhoods, which have seen armed clashes and explosions from both Israeli bombs and explosives set by resistance fighters.
As Israel continues its devastating war on Gaza, the military has also escalated its operations in the West Bank, accompanied by increased attacks by Israeli settlers. Since October 7, 2023, 675 Palestinians have been killed, and over 5,600 others injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
