The United Nations Human Rights Office has raised a red flag regarding the escalating crisis within Gaza's healthcare system, which it states is teetering on the edge of total collapse due to relentless Israeli attacks. These assaults, particularly around medical facilities, have sparked grave concerns about potential war crimes and violations of international laws.

A damning report released by the UN outlines a troubling trend where Israeli Defense Forces have struck, besieged, and forcibly evacuated hospitals, resulting in the tragic loss of lives among patients and healthcare workers. Though Israel has accused hospitals of being havens for Palestinian armed groups, the report criticizes these allegations as being vague and insufficiently substantiated.

“No place should be a death trap, especially not hospitals,” stated UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, emphasizing that the safety of medical facilities must be guaranteed by all parties involved in the conflict. The UN documented at least 136 attacks on 27 of the 38 hospitals in Gaza from October 2023 to June 2024, leading to significant casualties among medical workers and extensive damage to essential healthcare infrastructure.

International humanitarian law explicitly protects medical personnel and facilities, as long as they are not being utilized for hostile actions. The report highlights that intentional attacks on healthcare services and civilian populations amount to war crimes, especially if they are disproportionate or deliberately aimed at destroying medical infrastructure.

The accusations against hospitals being used for military purposes are consistently cited by Israeli officials. However, the UN report points to a lack of clear evidence supporting these claims, suggesting that these allegations sometimes contradict publicly available data. If verified, such uses of civilian presence as human shields could themselves represent a serious crime under international law.

While the report notes that both Hamas and medical professionals vehemently deny these accusations, the repercussions of military actions extend far beyond the immediate physical destruction. Women, in particular, are suffering; many are giving birth without adequate prenatal or postnatal care. Alarming reports indicate that numerous newborns have died because mothers could not access necessary medical care due to the fighting and destruction.

Additionally, the healthcare crisis has resulted in trauma patients facing increasing delays in receiving essential treatments. By the end of June, the Gaza health ministry reported a staggering 80% reduction in hospital bed availability and the loss of over 500 medical professionals. Many injured individuals have died waiting for treatment, while those who were treated often lacked proper facilities and medical necessities.

In response to the crisis, the Israeli government claims that it has implemented numerous measures to prevent civilian harm and support medical services. These purported measures include creating evacuation routes, supplying medical equipment, fuel to keep hospitals running, and even setting up field hospitals. However, critics argue that these efforts are inadequate given the widespread devastation.

The UN has called for impartial investigations into the reported incidents, stressing the need for Israel, as the occupying power, to prioritize access to adequate healthcare for the Palestinian population. The situation remains dire, and as humanitarian and medical needs grow increasingly urgent, the international community's attention is crucial to alleviating the suffering in Gaza.

In an era where healthcare is a fundamental human right, the unfolding crisis in Gaza reveals a tragic intersection of conflict and humanitarian crisis that cannot be ignored. The world must watch and respond before it is too late!