An investigation has accused Israel of committing war crimes, claiming its attacks on hospitals are intentional acts threatening humanity.
Following an Israeli assault on Gaza City’s Remal clinic, Palestinians grapple with the aftermath as the clinic, once a sanctuary for the displaced, lies in ruins [Photo by Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters].
United Nations investigators have accused Israel of targeting health facilities in Gaza, leading to the deaths of medical personnel amidst ongoing conflict in the besieged region.
Navi Pillay, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, shared on Thursday that Israel has been “committing war crimes” through persistent attacks on healthcare workers and facilities in Gaza. These actions follow an aggressive operation launched after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
“Children are enduring the dire consequences of these attacks, both directly and indirectly,” stated Pillay, whose findings are slated for presentation to the UN General Assembly on October 30.
Israel contends its strikes on Gaza’s hospitals and schools aim to dismantle Hamas and other armed factions. Meanwhile, Hamas denies using such locations for strategic purposes.
The UN inquiry also highlighted deliberate acts against medical workers and vehicles and obstructing patient departures from Gaza.
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The Commission of Inquiry (COI) is tasked with gathering proof and identifying those responsible for international offenses in Israel and occupied Palestinian territories. Their conclusions draw from interviews, submitted documents, and satellite images.
Allegations of war crimes by both Israel and Hamas emerged early in the Gaza conflict, with Israel’s actions bearing additional accusations of crimes against humanity due to the vast civilian toll. These terms describe the most egregious international crimes, intending to harm civilians widely or systematically.
Child Victims: A Grim Reality
Pillay urged Israel to cease its destructive behavior towards Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure.
“Children face severe hardships,” Pillay reiterated, spotlighting their undeserved suffering after health systems fail.
A poignant case is of a six-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, whose cries for help were unheard before her tragic death alongside her family.
Her demise highlights what Pillay calls one of the “worst incidents” in attacks on Gaza’s healthcare system.
The report also condemns the treatment of thousands of Palestinians, who were subjected to both physical and psychological abuse, including sexual violence, in Israeli camps.
Palestinian men faced rape and assaults in these detention centers.
According to the COI, these acts of “institutional mistreatment” were sanctioned by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from the far-right.
Furthermore, Israeli captives in Gaza endured “extreme physical and mental anguish,” prompting calls for their unconditional release.
Israel has chosen not to engage with the inquiry, criticizing it as biased against the country.
Edited by: Ali Musa
Axadle international–Monitoring
