A recent United Nations inquiry has accused Israel of carrying out a “concerted policy” of destroying the health care system in Gaza during its year-long conflict with Hamas, labeling the attacks as war crimes. The report by the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, stated that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute war crimes of willful killing, mistreatment, and the crime against humanity of extermination.
The commission highlighted that Israeli security forces deliberately targeted medical personnel, vehicles, and facilities in Gaza, resulting in a severe impact on the health care system. The attacks led to shortages of essential supplies like fuel, food, water, medicines, and medical equipment in hospitals, while also restricting permits for patients to seek medical treatment outside the territory.
Israel has denied the accusations and countered by accusing Hamas of using health care facilities for military purposes, such as command centers and weapons storage. The report also accused Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups of committing war crimes, including torture, inhuman treatment, rape, and sexual violence against Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza.
The report emphasized the dire situation faced by children in Gaza, who have suffered greatly from the collapse of the health system due to the conflict. It cited a specific incident involving the killing of a 5-year-old Palestinian girl and her family, where Israeli security forces allegedly obstructed access to emergency services, resulting in tragic consequences.
The UN experts concluded that the Israeli Army’s 162nd Division was responsible for the incident, along with other alleged attacks on health care in Gaza. The report will be presented to the UN General Assembly for further review and discussion on October 30.
Overall, the report underscores the need for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calls for accountability for all parties involved in the conflict.
