UN report accuses Israel of crippling Gaza healthcare system
The UN Human Rights Office has accused the Israeli army of dismantling the healthcare system in the Gaza Strip. According to the report, Israeli military actions from October 2023 to June 2024 resulted in the deaths of numerous patients and medical staff.
In a comprehensive 23-page report, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) indicated that the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip between October 2023 and June 2024 led to the destruction of local healthcare, with many patients, medical staff, and civilian residents of the enclave losing their lives.
The UN report outlines at least 136 attacks on 27 out of 38 hospitals in the Gaza Strip as well as 12 other medical facilities. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stressed that the protection of hospitals is vital and must be upheld by all parties involved in the conflict.
Consequences of the military campaign
Israel refutes the allegations of breaching international law, asserting that it provides warnings to civilians before targeting facilities associated with Hamas. The Israeli army accuses Hamas of utilising hospitals as command centres.
Palestinian authorities state that the Israeli military campaign led to the deaths of over 45,500 Palestinians, with at least 108,000 injured. The campaign was a response to a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, during which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were abducted.
