Israel accused of war crimes for dismantling Gaza’s healthcare system
A United Nations inquiry has found that Israel intentionally destroyed Gaza’s healthcare system during the conflict, leading to devastating impacts on children. The report accuses Israel of war crimes and extermination as a strategy against Hamas incursions.
Former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay condemned the attacks on medical facilities and personnel, highlighting the dire consequences on civilians. Despite Israel dismissing the report as outrageous, the U.N. inquiry’s findings reveal deliberate killings and torture of medical workers.
The report also exposes Israel’s obstruction of medical evacuations and the targeting of hospitals, resulting in preventable deaths and a healthcare crisis in Gaza. The World Health Organization estimates over 10,000 patients were denied urgent medical care due to border restrictions.
The inquiry’s mandate includes identifying perpetrators of international crimes in Israel and occupied territories, with potential implications for war crimes prosecutions. Israel’s lack of cooperation and alleged bias have raised concerns about accountability for actions that violate human rights.