A new report from the U.N. Human Rights Office has raised serious concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza, specifically targeting hospitals and healthcare facilities. According to the report, Israeli attacks have devastated Gaza’s health system and made it harder for people to receive medical care.
The Report’s Findings
The 23-page report covers attacks that occurred between October 12, 2023, and June 30, 2024. It focuses on the impact of Israeli military actions on hospitals, patients, and medical staff in Gaza. Since the Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, the U.N. claims that Gaza’s healthcare system has been severely damaged, with hospitals destroyed and many people, including patients and medical workers, killed.
The U.N. concluded that Israel’s attacks on healthcare facilities violated international law, which is meant to protect hospitals and medical workers during conflicts.
Israel’s Response
Israel strongly disagreed with the report. Daniel Meron, Israel’s permanent representative to the U.N. in Geneva, called the report’s data “fabricated.” He stated that Israel follows international law and would never target innocent civilians. Israel also accused Hamas of using Gaza hospitals for military purposes, such as hiding weapons or planning attacks. However, the U.N. report noted that there was not enough evidence to support these claims.
The Consequences for Palestinians
The U.N. report pointed out that deliberately attacking hospitals or places where sick and injured people are located would be considered war crimes under international law. The report also warned that the repeated targeting of civilians in Gaza might be classified as crimes against humanity.
Global Reactions
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) and others have criticized Israel’s actions, stating that hospitals, which should be safe spaces during conflict, have become “death traps” for the people of Gaza.
Ongoing Conflict and Loss of Life
Since the conflict began, many lives have been lost. In the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, 1,200 people were killed, and 251 were taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza has led to over 45,500 Palestinian deaths, according to Palestinian health officials.
This tragic situation has raised questions about the safety of civilians in Gaza and the destruction of its healthcare infrastructure, leaving many to wonder how much longer this violence will continue.
