UN Accuses Israel of War Crimes Over Gaza Hospital Strikes
A United Nations inquiry has accused Israel of pursuing a deliberate strategy aimed at crippling Gaza’s healthcare system during its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The investigation claims that Israeli military strikes on hospitals and medical facilities, combined with the mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners, amount to war crimes. The inquiry also suggests that these actions could rise to the level of crimes against humanity, including “extermination.”
The commission, led by former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay, is also critical of Hamas and other Palestinian factions. It accuses them of committing war crimes in their treatment of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
While Israel has yet to respond to these allegations, it has previously criticized the UN for being biased and has often rejected similar reports.
The findings, set to be presented to the UN General Assembly at the end of October, outline severe accusations against Israeli security forces, including the deliberate targeting, killing, and torture of medical staff. The report highlights the tragic death of five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was trying to escape the conflict with her family when their car was hit. Though she managed to contact emergency services, an ambulance dispatched to rescue her was also bombed, resulting in the deaths of her, her family, and the medics.
The commission warns that the attacks on Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure could lead to long-term devastation for Palestinian children and future generations, potentially threatening the survival of the Palestinian population.
On the other side, the report also details the harsh conditions faced by Israeli hostages held by Palestinian armed groups. Hostages have reportedly endured physical violence, sexual abuse, isolation, and limited access to food, water, and hygiene, sparking international concern.
Furthermore, the treatment of Palestinian detainees, including minors, has raised alarms. The commission claims these prisoners have been subjected to systematic torture and sexual violence, allegedly under orders from Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir.
These findings contribute to mounting global scrutiny of the escalating war, with both the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court now investigating potential violations of international law.
The conflict, which erupted after Hamas’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis, while more than 42,000 people have died in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
