The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has urged all parties to respect the sanctity of health facilities and personnel “at all times.”
The United Nations said on Tuesday that it has “serious doubts” about the “pattern of attacks” carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) against medical centers in the Gaza Strip. He has warned that the actions of the past year ‘could’ amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity“.
Thus it is collected by a report examining the period between October 12, 2023 and June 30, 2024. During this time, the Israeli army has carried out “at least 136 attacks” on 27 hospitals and twelve other medical facilities, despite the fact that international law protects these types of centers and their staff.
The IDF and Benjamin Netanyahu’s government have often justified these types of actions for the sake of military interests, but the UN has pointed out that even in these cases “the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution” must be applied at all times.
According to the report, the deliberate destruction of these facilities constitutes a form of collective punishment for the entire population of Gaza. Likewise, UN experts add that the information provided by the Israeli authorities to justify the attacks They are “vague and inconcrete”.
However, the UN has also warned Palestinian armed groupsstating that they also commit war crimes when they hide in hospitals and clinics.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has urged all parties to respect the sanctity of health facilities and personnel “at all times.” “As if the incessant bombings and the critical humanitarian situation were not enough, the refuge where Palestinians once felt safe is now a death trap,” Turk lamented.
The High Commissioner sees ““essential” that there is “independent, complete and transparent” investigation of all recorded incidents, with a view to ensuring “full accountability”. He has also demanded the “immediate” release of all medical workers who have been “arbitrarily” detained.
“It must be a priority for Israel, as an occupying power, to guarantee and facilitate the access of the Palestinian population to adequate medical care,” Turk said.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
