RAMALLAH, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian presidency on Friday condemned Israeli forces' burning down of parts of Kamal Adwan Hospital, a key medical facility in the northern Gaza Strip.

In a statement published by the official news agency WAFA, the Palestinian presidency called the Israeli act a "serious crime" and a flagrant violation of international law and conventions that require protection for the medical sector and personnel during wars.

The statement called on international health institutions to activate agreements to protect medical personnel, patients, and the injured.

Gaza-based health authorities reported Friday that Kamal Adwan Hospital is suffering from a stifling siege, as its operating and surgery departments, laboratory, maintenance units, ambulance units, and warehouses were completely burned away.

It said in a press statement that the sick and injured in the hospital were forcibly moved to the Indonesian Hospital, which now lacks medical supplies, medicines, water, and electricity.

It described the Israeli attack as a "decisive blow" to the already overwhelmed health system in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Friday that its troops began the operation against Kamal Adwan Hospital following intelligence indicating the presence of "terrorist" infrastructure and operatives in the area of the hospital, located in Jabalia of northern Gaza.

"Kamal Adwan Hospital serves as a Hamas stronghold in northern Gaza, from which terrorists have been operating throughout the war," the IDF said, adding that despite a targeted operation in October, the hospital revived to serve as a hideout for "terrorists."

Prior to the raid, Kamal Adwan Hospital was housing around 350 people, including 75 wounded patients and their companions. It is the largest medical facility in northern Gaza, serving over 400,000 people before the ongoing conflict. The Israeli army has blockaded the hospital for more than two months as part of its military operations in northern Gaza.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the enclave has risen to 45,436, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Friday. Enditem

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