The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has reported that Israeli military attacks on hospitals and surrounding areas in Gaza have caused the healthcare system to collapse, leaving Palestinians without vital medical care. The report, released on Tuesday, highlights a pattern of violations between October 2023 and June 2024, raising serious concerns about Israel’s adherence to international law.

UN High Commissioner Volker Türk stated, “Hospitals, meant to be sanctuaries of safety, have turned into sites of death. Protecting medical facilities during conflict is a non-negotiable principle that must be upheld.” He condemned the targeting of hospitals, including the devastating destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital, which has left northern Gaza devoid of adequate healthcare access.

The report documents 136 attacks on 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities, resulting in deaths and the destruction of infrastructure. It highlights that such actions may constitute war crimes and collective punishment. The large-scale attack on Al-Shifa Medical Complex in November 2023, followed by additional strikes, led to its complete destruction and the discovery of mass graves, raising concerns about violations of international law.

Türk called for immediate, independent investigations into these incidents, the release of arbitrarily detained medical staff, and restoration of healthcare access for Palestinians. The report highlights severe consequences for women and children, including preventable maternal and infant deaths due to lack of postnatal care and facilities. Injured individuals have also succumbed while waiting for treatment, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The findings detail the use of heavy munitions in attacks and deliberate targeting of individuals in hospitals, as evidenced by incidents at Al-Awda Hospital, where medical personnel and patients were killed. Türk urged the international community to ensure accountability and take immediate action to prevent further violations and alleviate Gaza’s deepening humanitarian crisis.