WHO plea for End to Attacks On Gaza Hospitals
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued an urgent call to end attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities in Gaza, warning that the region’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, expressed deep concern over the escalating situation, stating, “Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds, and the health system is under severe threat.”
This appeal follows a series of troubling incidents, including the recent raid and forced evacuation of Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last functional hospital in northern Gaza, by Israeli military forces. The raid occurred on Friday, leaving the facility out of operation. Two other hospitals in Gaza City, al-Ahli and al-Wafa Rehabilitation hospitals, were also attacked on Sunday. According to the Israeli military, the targeted hospitals were allegedly being used as command centres by Hamas, accusations that the group has vehemently denied.
The raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly following the detention of its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. The Israeli military alleged that the hospital was a Hamas stronghold and claimed to have killed about 20 “terrorists” and detained 240 individuals during the operation. Dr. Abu Safiya was among those taken into custody on suspicion of being a Hamas operative. However, no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims, and Hamas has dismissed them as baseless.
Humanitarian organisations, including the US-based MedGlobal, have criticised the detention of Dr. Abu Safiya, labelling it “not only unjust but a violation of international humanitarian law,” which guarantees the protection of medical personnel in conflict zones. Dr. Abu Safiya’s family has expressed concern for his well-being, noting that he was recovering from severe injuries sustained in an earlier attack and may be suffering due to harsh detention conditions.
Following the raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital, its critically ill patients were transferred to the severely damaged Indonesian Hospital, which has been described as incapable of providing adequate care. Dr. Tedros reported that WHO and its partners managed to deliver essential medical and hygiene supplies, food, and water to the Indonesian Hospital, and ten critical patients were moved to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. However, four of these patients were detained during the transfer, prompting further calls for Israel to uphold their healthcare rights.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry revealed that one of the detained patients is in critical condition. The Indonesian hospital currently houses seven patients and ten medical staff, struggling to operate under dire conditions.
In addition to Kamal Adwan, other hospitals in Gaza have come under attack. On Sunday, al-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital was struck, resulting in significant damage. Seven people were reportedly killed, and several others sustained serious injuries in an Israeli strike on the upper floor of the hospital, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence agency. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted Hamas fighters who were using the building as a command and control centre, adding that it was not serving as a hospital at the time. However, witnesses, including medical staff and students, have contradicted these claims, asserting that patients and staff were present during the attack.
A medical student who was preparing for an exam at al-Wafa Hospital recounted the harrowing experience. “There was heavy smoke, and we nearly suffocated. Glass from destroyed windows fell over us. We took cover under tables and then fled,” she said. As they evacuated, she witnessed patients in wheelchairs and others being carried to safety. The wounded were eventually taken to al-Ahli Hospital, which itself had been damaged earlier the same day.
The attacks on healthcare facilities are occurring against a backdrop of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations has reported that the northern towns of Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun have been under near-total siege since Israel launched a major ground offensive on October 6, 2023. Humanitarian aid has been largely blocked, exacerbating the suffering of displaced residents.
A displaced man living near al-Ahli Hospital described the ongoing hardships. “If they besiege us here, where can we go? How long will this suffering continue? We have been displaced about six or seven times,” he lamented. “They have bombed all homes, schools, and hospitals. There is no longer a safe place for us to take shelter in.”
Since the start of the conflict, which began following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Gaza’s health ministry has reported over 45,540 fatalities. The situation has led to widespread calls from the international community for immediate measures to protect civilians and ensure access to essential services.
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Dr. Tedros has urged all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of medical facilities, staff, and patients in conflict zones. WHO has joined rights groups and relatives in calling for the release of Dr. Abu Safiya and other detained medical professionals and patients. “We urge Israel to ensure their health care needs and rights are upheld,” Dr. Tedros emphasised.
Despite these appeals, the situation on the ground remains dire. Video footage of the aftermath of the attacks has shown extensive damage to hospital infrastructure, leaving residents and healthcare providers grappling with the consequences. The escalating violence underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the immense suffering of Gaza’s civilian population.
The international community continues to advocate for accountability and adherence to humanitarian principles. Ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and the functionality of medical facilities is a critical step toward mitigating the devastating impact of this ongoing conflict on Gaza’s residents.
Content Credit| Ajibola Emmanuel Adebayo
Picture Credit | https://simple.wikipedia.org/
