Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel's actions have come under intense scrutiny, particularly concerning the targeting of hospitals and other essential medical facilities. According to the World Health Organization, there have been over 300 attacks on medical facilities so far, resulting in significant damage to the healthcare system. While Israel claims to be targeting terrorists who use these facilities as shields, a comprehensive investigation by Source questions whether the ends can truly justify the means.
The study conducted an in-depth analysis, spanning several months, to assess the situation. It revealed that during the initial two months of the war, Israel launched air and land offensives on the northern part of the Strip, resulting in the destruction or damage of 20 out of 22 hospitals in that area. More than half of these hospitals were directly attacked.
Among the targeted hospitals were al-Shifa and al-Quds, the two largest healthcare facilities in Gaza. Evidence suggests that both were directly attacked by the Israel Defence Forces. Israel and US intelligence claim that Hamas was utilizing these hospitals as command and control centers, but Hamas denies these allegations. Although hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law, there are instances where this protection might be lost if they are being exploited for military activities.
The investigation unearthed several instances where Israeli attacks caused severe damage and harm to civilians. At Al-Quds Hospital, a strike occurred just 100 meters from the entrance, allegedly targeting a Hamas weapons depot. The resulting explosion caused significant damage to the hospital. The IDF contends that they repeatedly urged people to evacuate, but medical staff on-site claimed that it was impossible to do so. Another incident at Al-Shifa Hospital saw civilians seeking refuge in the courtyard, only to be subjected to intensified aerial attacks. While the IDF denies targeting the hospital, experts discovered remnants of an Israeli illumination shell and part of an Israeli tank missile, suggesting otherwise.
When Israeli forces eventually entered Al-Shifa Hospital, they reportedly found little evidence of Hamas operating within the facility, despite claims made by the IDF and US intelligence. Disturbingly, multiple graves were discovered within the hospital grounds, where civilians had been forced to bury their loved ones amid the ongoing siege.
The IDF responded to the investigation by denying any targeted attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities in Gaza. They emphasized that any strikes likely to incidentally damage hospitals are authorized at the highest level of command.
The conflict in Gaza has caused immense devastation, especially in terms of casualties and damage to critical infrastructure, including hospitals. The moral implications of military objectives and the level of destruction caused raise significant questions about the proportionality and justification of such actions. As the conflict continues, the international community seeks meaningful answers and solutions to prevent further loss of lives and destruction in the region.
