On Thursday, a United Nations investigation revealed that Israel has pursued a policy aimed at “destroying the healthcare system in Gaza during the war,” describing these actions as potential war crimes and genocide.
In a statement issued by former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, Israel was accused of conducting “ongoing and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities” throughout the conflict. Pillay noted that her report will be presented to the UN General Assembly on October 30.
“Children bear the brunt of these attacks as they directly or indirectly suffer from the collapse of the healthcare system,” Pillay added.
The statement, based on the UN investigation, accused Israeli forces of “intentionally killing and torturing medical personnel, targeting medical vehicles, and obstructing permits that allow patients to exit the besieged Gaza Strip.”
Israel contends that militants in Gaza operate from populated areas, including homes, schools, and hospitals, claiming it targets them wherever they appear while trying to avoid harming civilians. Conversely, Hamas denies hiding its fighters, weapons, and command centers among civilians.
For instance, the UN investigation highlighted the death of a Palestinian girl named Hind Rajab in February, who died alongside her family and two paramedics who came to rescue her amid Israeli bombardments.
According to the World Health Organization, over 10,000 patients needing urgent medical evacuation have been prevented from leaving Gaza since the Rafah crossing, located on the border with Egypt, was closed in May.
The statement also indicated that the investigation looked into the treatment of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and the hostages captured by Hamas militants since October 7, 2023. Both sides were accused of engaging in torture and sexual violence.