Israeli Attacks on Gaza Hospitals: Human RIghts Watch Calls for War Crimes Investigation
In recent developments, the international non-governmental organization (NGO) Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urgently called for an investigation into Israel’s actions in Gaza, asserting that these actions should be considered potential war crimes.
Israel’s Actions in Gaza: HRW’s Urgent Call for Investigation
The ongoing reports of Israel’s airstrikes targeting hospitals, medical facilities, and refugee camps, places where civilians seek shelter, have prompted global outcry. These actions are being labeled as “apparently unlawful attacks” by the Israeli military, sparking demands for justice from the non-Zionist community worldwide.
Challenging Israeli Military Claims
Despite the Israeli military’s assertions on November 5, 2023, regarding HAmas’s alleged use of hospitals for tactical purposes, HRW contends that no evidence justifies stripping hospitals and ambulances of their protected status under international humanitarian law.
Understanding War Crimes in International Law
In line with international humanitarian law, a war crime encompasses a severe violation resulting in the deliberate killing of innocent individuals. HRW strongly asserts that Israel’s actions align with this definition, urging both the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to initiate an immediate investigation.
Impact on Gaza’s Healthcare Infrastructure
The World Health Organization’s latest data as of November 10 reveals a dire situation: over two-thirds of primary healthcare facilities in Gaza are either non-operational or destroyed due to Israel’s offensive, with approximately half of Gaza’s hospitals suffering the same fate.
Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding
Tragic statistics emerge, with at least 521 casualties, including 16 medical workers, recorded from 137 attacks on healthcare in Gaza. A. Kayum Ahmed, HRW’s special adviser on health rights, underscores that Israel’s repeated assaults have worsened Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure already strained by an unlawful blockade.
Documented Israeli Attacks on Healthcare Facilities
HRW’s investigation from October 7 to November 7 highlights disturbing incidents:
The complete destruction of Gaza’s International Eye Hospital on October 10 or 11 by Israeli strikes.
Air raids on or near the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital leading to its closure on November 1.
Repeated attacks on al-Quds Hospital causing injuries to a man and a child.
Destruction of well-marked ambulances in several incidents, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Continued Attacks and Allegations
HRW asserts that these assaults are not isolated, pointing out multiple strikes on various hospitals across Gaza by Israeli forces.
New Distress Emerges
Reports have surfaced indicating that due to Israel’s power cuts at al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest, premature babies in incubators might face fatal outcomes due to the lack of electricity.
International Humanitarian Law and Hospital Protections
HRW reiterates that, as per the ICC’s Rome Statute, deliberate attacks on medical units and transportation are strictly prohibited as war crimes. Hospitals and medical facilities hold civilian status and and enjoy specific protections under international humanitarian law unless used for enemy-related purposes and after a mandatory warning.
Conflicting Claims
Israel maintains its stance, alleging that that Hamas militants operate from “command centers” beneath these healthcare facilities, justifying their continued bombings and destruction.
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