Thursday
19th Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Israel deliberately targets hospitals, Photo: Al Arabia
United Nations investigators have accused Israel of committing war crimes during its ongoing military offensive in Gaza, specifically citing deliberate attacks on health facilities and the killing of medical personnel. In a statement released ahead of a full report, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay condemned Israel’s "relentless and deliberate" actions, accusing the country of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including the extermination of Palestinian civilians through the destruction of essential health services.
The report reveals that Gaza’s already struggling healthcare system has been devastated by Israeli strikes, disproportionately affecting children. “Children, in particular, have borne the brunt of these attacks, suffering both directly and indirectly from the collapse of the health system,” said Pillay. The death of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who died along with her family after hours without medical assistance, is cited as a heartbreaking example of the impact of Israel’s actions.
The UN investigation also found that Israeli forces have been deliberately killing medical workers, attacking ambulances, and restricting access to healthcare, leaving many without the ability to seek treatment. The report calls for an immediate halt to the destruction of healthcare facilities in Gaza.
In addition to the attacks on Gaza’s health infrastructure, the report uncovered systemic abuse of Palestinian detainees within Israeli military camps, including physical and psychological violence, as well as sexual abuse. Male detainees have reportedly been subjected to rape and torture, part of what the UN describes as "institutional mistreatment" sanctioned by Israel’s far-right leadership.
Israel has refused to cooperate with the investigation, dismissing the UN inquiry as biased. The full report is expected to be presented to the UN General Assembly on October 30, calling for international accountability and urgent action to protect civilians in Gaza.
The accusations against Israel have drawn renewed attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as its people continue to suffer under siege with their health services in ruins.