UN Report Details Devastating Attacks on Gaza Hospitals
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A new report from the UN Human Rights Office paints a grim picture of the situation in Gaza, detailing a pattern of deadly attacks on hospitals and medical facilities during the recent conflict. The report,covering the period from October 12,2023,to June 30,2024,documents at least 136 strikes on 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities,resulting in significant casualties among medical personnel and civilians. The sheer scale of destruction has pushed Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system to the brink of collapse.
The report highlights the devastating consequences of these attacks, including the near-total destruction of the Kamal Adwan hospital in North Gaza.This left a large population without access to essential healthcare. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, issued a stark warning: ”As if the relentless bombing and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza were not enough, the one sanctuary where Palestinians should have felt safe in fact became a death trap. The protection of hospitals during warfare is paramount and must be respected by all sides, at all times.”
The report goes on to state that the attacks constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law. The deliberate targeting of hospitals, even under the claim of military use by Palestinian armed groups, is a grave concern. The UN inquiry found insufficient evidence to support these claims, noting that many allegations remain vague and appear contradicted by available information. The report further asserts that such actions, if proven, could constitute war crimes and, under certain circumstances, crimes against humanity.
The impact extends beyond the physical destruction. The report details the suffering of women, particularly pregnant women, who lacked access to essential prenatal and postnatal care, leading to preventable maternal and child mortality. The UN received reports of newborn deaths due to their mothers’ inability to receive adequate medical attention.
the report underscores the critical need for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law in armed conflicts. The findings raise serious questions about Israel’s actions and the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensure the protection of civilians and medical facilities.
Türk further emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “This report graphically details the destruction of the healthcare system in Gaza, and the extent of killing of patients, staff, and other civilians in these attacks in blatant disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law.”
The report’s findings have sparked international outrage and calls for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible for the attacks. the long-term consequences for the people of Gaza are profound and will require significant international aid and support for recovery and rebuilding.
Gaza Conflict: Hospitals Under Siege, Mounting Casualties
The escalating conflict in Gaza has lead to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, marked by the repeated targeting of hospitals and the devastating loss of medical personnel. The scale of the destruction and the alleged targeting of medical facilities raise serious concerns about potential war crimes.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH),by the end of June 2024,over 77,704 Palestinians had been injured. many perished while awaiting treatment or transport to hospitals, highlighting the severe strain on the already overwhelmed healthcare system. The MOH further reported that more than 500 medical professionals had been killed in Gaza since October 7,2023.
Al Shifa Medical Complex, a major hospital in Gaza, became a focal point of the crisis. The Israeli military raided the facility twice, first in November 2023 and again in March 2024, leaving it fully destroyed by April 1st. The revelation of three mass graves at the hospital, containing at least 80 bodies—some with medical equipment still attached—has sparked international outrage and calls for investigations into potential violations of international law.
Reports indicate the use of heavy weaponry and air-dropped munitions with wide-area effects in several attacks. A January 10th airstrike near Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al Balah,reportedly using an MK 83 munition,killed at least 12 people,including a journalist and several internally displaced persons (IDPs),and injured 35 more. The deployment of such weapons in densely populated areas raises serious concerns about indiscriminate attacks.
While the targeting of individuals within hospitals has been reported, attribution remains challenging in many cases. However, the UN Human Rights Office confirmed multiple instances of people being shot and killed at Al Awda Hospital in Jabalya, including a volunteer nurse fatally shot while looking out a window on December 7, 2023.
“It is essential that there be independent, thorough and clear investigations of all of these incidents, and full accountability for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights law which have taken place,” stated UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. “All medical workers arbitrarily detained must be instantly released.”
Türk further emphasized the responsibility of Israel, as the occupying power, to ensure access to adequate healthcare for the Palestinian population. “It must also be a priority for Israel, as the occupying power, to ensure and facilitate access to adequate healthcare for the Palestinian population, and for future recovery and reconstruction efforts to prioritise the restoration of the medical capacity which has been destroyed over the last 14 months of intense conflict,” he added.
The situation in Gaza underscores the urgent need for international intervention to ensure humanitarian access and accountability for alleged war crimes.The scale of destruction and loss of life demands a swift and thorough response from the international community.
UN Report Reveals Systemic Attacks on Gaza Hospitals
The conflict in Gaza has continued to take a devastating toll on civilians, wiht hospitals and medical personnel becoming notably vulnerable targets. A new report from the UN Human Rights Office paints a grim picture of the situation, documenting a series of attacks on vital care facilities and raising serious concerns about potential war crimes.
World-Today News Senior Editor maria Sanchez sits down with Dr. Omar Khalaf, a specialist in International Humanitarian Law and Middle Eastern Studies, to discuss the findings of the report and their implications.
Targeting of Medical Facilities: A Dire Situation
Maria Sanchez: Dr. Khalaf, the UN report paints a chilling picture of what has been happening to hospitals and medical facilities in gaza. Can you give us some insight into the scale of the problem?
Dr. Omar Khalaf: It is truly a horrific situation. The report details at least 136 attacks on hospitals and medical facilities over a nine-month period, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of medical personnel and patients. The sheer number of attacks is alarming, and the impact on the already fragile healthcare system in Gaza is catastrophic.
Maria Sanchez: The report mentions the destruction of the Kamal Adwan hospital in North Gaza. Can you elaborate on the importance of this event?
Dr. Omar Khalaf: The destruction of Kamal Adwan hospital is a prime exmaple of the devastating consequences of these attacks. This was a major healthcare provider for a large population, and its destruction left thousands of people without access to essential medical care.
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violations of International Law?
Maria Sanchez: The UN report highlights the potential for war crimes .Can you explain which aspects of the attacks raise these concerns?
Dr. Omar Khalaf: The intentional targeting of hospitals, even if there are claims of military use by Palestinian armed groups inside them, is a grave violation of international humanitarian law. The report carefully analyzes these claims and found them largely unsubstantiated. Attacks on medical facilities are explicitly prohibited under international law, and the scale and targeting in this case strongly suggest a systematic failure to respect these rules.
Maria Sanchez: Are these findings unique to this conflict,or are there broader patterns of attacks on medical facilities in other war zones?
Dr. Omar Khalaf: Sadly, attacks on medical facilities are a recurring problem in many armed conflicts around the world. It’s a deeply disturbing trend that undermines the very principles of humanity and undermines efforts to protect civilians. We have seen similar patterns in conflicts in Syria, Yemen, andAfghanistan, among others.
The Human Cost
Maria Sanchez: While the report focuses on the physical destruction of healthcare infrastructure, it also highlights the profound impact on civilians, particularly women and children.
Dr.Omar Khalaf:
Yes, the report details the devastating consequences for pregnant women and newborns, many of whom have been deprived of essential prenatal care and have perished due to lack of access to medical attention.These are tragedies that could have easily been prevented. The psychological toll on both medical professionals and the general population is also immense.
Accountability and Justice
Maria Sanchez: What are the next steps in terms of accountability for those responsible for these attacks?
Dr. Omar Khalaf: The UN Human Rights Office has called for independent investigations into all alleged violations of international law, and it is imperative that these inquiries are conducted thoroughly and impartially. There must be full accountability for those who planned or carried out these attacks.
Maria Sanchez: What measures can the international community take to prevent further attacks on hospitals and medical facilities in Gaza and other conflict zones?
dr. Omar Khalaf: A multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes strengthening international humanitarian law, ensuring that all parties to the conflict are held accountable for their actions, and providing robust protection for medical personnel and facilities. Moreover, addressing the root causes of the conflict is crucial for achieving lasting peace and preventing further human suffering.
Maria Sanchez: Dr. Khalaf, thank you for providing your insights into this critical issue.
