Urgent Calls for Action Amid Gaza’s Healthcare Crisis

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting healthcare facilities. Following Israel’s airstrike on December 27, which targeted the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza, the United Nations Security Council convened to address the urgent need for international intervention. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, emphasized the dire situation, stating that a human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Gaza. He called for immediate action to protect civilians and ensure accountability for attacks on medical facilities. The situation is exacerbated by allegations that armed groups, including Hamas, are misusing these facilities for military purposes. This article delves into the alarming conditions faced by healthcare workers and patients in Gaza, the impact of military operations on hospitals, and the urgent need for independent investigations.

Healthcare Under Siege: The Impact of Military Operations

The recent attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital highlights a troubling pattern of military operations targeting healthcare facilities in Gaza. According to a report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, there have been numerous attacks on hospitals since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023. These attacks often begin with airstrikes, followed by ground raids that leave hospitals non-functional. The report indicates that military operations have severely impacted healthcare at a time when the demand for medical services is at an all-time high.

Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative for the West Bank and Gaza, noted that only 16 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza remain partially operational. Most of these facilities lack the capacity to treat chronic diseases and complex injuries. The slow pace of medical evacuations and the restricted flow of medical supplies further complicate the situation. Peeperkorn confirmed that WHO has verified 654 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for protection of medical infrastructure. The situation is dire, with the last minimally functional hospital in northern Gaza, Al-Awda Hospital, facing evacuation orders. The risk of severing the last health line in the region is imminent, yet the health system has not completely collapsed, thanks to the restoration of other facilities like Al-Shifa Hospital and Nasser Medical Complex.

Voices from the Ground: Healthcare Workers’ Pleas

Healthcare workers in Gaza are sounding alarms about their precarious situation. Tanya Haj Hassan, a medical practitioner with Medical Aid for Palestinians, shared the harrowing experiences of those on the front lines. She revealed that healthcare workers have been sending SOS messages to the UN Security Council for over a year, expressing their fears of becoming targets due to their profession. Wearing scrubs and white coats has become synonymous with danger, as they face threats in an environment where medical care is desperately needed.

Haj Hassan’s testimony reflects the despair felt by many in Gaza. She expressed disbelief that international law and human rights institutions have allowed such suffering to persist. The psychological toll on the population is staggering, with 96% of Gaza’s children believing their death is imminent. The recent deaths of infants from hypothermia serve as a grim reminder of the dire conditions. Many children have been orphaned, left to navigate a world filled with loss and trauma. The urgent need for international action is clear, as healthcare workers continue to plead for support and protection.

Call for Accountability and Independent Investigations

In light of the ongoing crisis, there is a pressing need for independent investigations into the attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza. Volker Türk emphasized that military operations must distinguish between military targets and civilians. He criticized the use of heavy weapons against hospitals, stating that such actions are difficult to reconcile with international humanitarian principles. While Israel has alleged that hospitals are being misused for military purposes, Türk pointed out that sufficient evidence to substantiate these claims has not been provided.

The call for thorough and transparent investigations is crucial for ensuring accountability. The international community must take these allegations seriously and work towards establishing a framework that protects civilians and healthcare workers in conflict zones. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the need for urgent action is more critical than ever. The world must respond to the cries for help from those trapped in this humanitarian crisis, ensuring that healthcare facilities are safeguarded and that the rights of civilians are upheld.