Jakarta NGO Pledges to Rebuild Indonesia Hospital in North Gaza

As Palestinians resumed their return to the region on Monday, a Jakarta-based nongovernmental organization (NGO) has pledged to reconstruct the Indonesia Hospital in northern Gaza. One of the initial targets struck during Israel's assault on Gaza in October 2023 was the hospital, which is situated in Beit Lahiya.

Despite the numerous assaults that have caused damage to the building and medical apparatus, the facility has served as a critical healthcare center for the Gazan populace, with funding provided by the Indonesian Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C).

Mr. Sarbini Abdul Murad, the chairman of MER-C, elucidated that the hospital had been instrumental in delivering healthcare to the northern residents of Gaza, despite the fact that Israeli forces were targeting medical facilities and alleging them of harboring Palestinian armed groups. "It is our moral commitment to rebuild and restock the hospital with necessary medical equipment," Murad added.

The Indonesian Red Cross Society and the Indonesian people contributed to the construction of the Indonesia Hospital, which was inaugurated in 2015. The local government donated the land on which the four-story hospital is situated, which is situated in close proximity to the Jabalia refugee settlement.

Since its inception, MER-C has dispatched volunteers to provide assistance to the hospital, which has treated thousands of patients, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in over 47,000 fatalities and over 111,000 injuries.

MER-C aspires to reestablish the hospital's complete functionality in response to the tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians who have returned to the northern region of Gaza following the opening of the Netzarim corridor by Israel.

Murad expressed optimism that Israel would permit Palestinians to return to their homes in a tranquil manner and adhere to the armistice agreement, as the region continues to require urgent healthcare.