Israel is deliberately targeting Gaza’s healthcare and medical workers, according to a UN investigation The UN says the attacks constitute crimes against humanity
The investigation accuses Israel of “relentless and deliberate attacks against medical personnel and facilities” during the ongoing war. It argues that this coordinated strategy to destroy Gaza’s health system amounts not only to war crimes, but also to “crime against humanity of extermination”.
– Children in particular have borne the brunt of these attacks, suffering both directly and indirectly from the collapse of the health system, said former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay in a statement accompanying the report, according to Reuters
The investigation further accuses Israeli forces of deliberately killing and torturing medical personnel, targeting ambulances and restricting patients’ ability to leave the besieged Gaza Strip
1000 doctors killed
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 10,000 patients in need of urgent medical evacuation have been prevented from leaving Gaza since the Rafah border crossing with Egypt was closed in May. In addition, around 1,000 doctors have been killed, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
The report notes that where four hospitals were asked by Israeli forces to evacuate, this was “unfeasible” because hospital staff were not given enough time and the forces offered no help.
Israel says that Gaza’s military operates under the cover of built-up populated areas, including hospitals and schools, and that it will strike them wherever they appear, while trying to avoid harming civilians. However, Hamas denies that it would hide among civilians.
The investigation will be presented in full on 30 October.