UN says Gaza's health system being brought 'to brink of total collapse' by Israel
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Gaza's health system is being brought "to the brink of total collapse" by Israel's attacks on and around hospitals in the region, according to a new report from the UN Human Rights Office. At least 10 hospitals have been attacked by Israeli forces since the start of the war, with some targeted multiple times, the UN report says.
The UN documented 136 strikes on at least 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities from 12 October 2023 to 30 June 2024, according to its report, which was released on Tuesday. "This report graphically details the destruction of the health care system in Gaza, and the extent of killing of patients, staff, and other civilians in these attacks in blatant disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law," said Volker Turk, UN high commissioner for human rights, in a statement.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player. . Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals and health facilities for military purposes. After attacking one of the last remaining hospitals in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan Hospital, Israel's military said it "serves as a Hamas terrorist stronghold". The Israeli army said it apprehended 240 suspected militants after raiding the hospital.
The UN's report noted Israel's allegations about hospitals being used by Hamas. Hospitals lose their protection under international law if they are used for military purposes. However, the UN report said "insufficient information has so far been made available to substantiate these allegations, which have remained vague and broad, and in some cases appear contradicted by publicly available information".
