A United Nations inquiry has made serious allegations against Israel, claiming the country has pursued a deliberate strategy aimed at dismantling Gaza's health care system throughout its prolonged conflict with Hamas. This report, issued by the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry, characterizes these actions as war crimes, including willful killing and torture, asserting they amount to the crime against humanity of extermination.
According to the commission's findings released on Thursday, Israeli forces have been engaged in systematic attacks targeting medical personnel and facilities, which directly resulted in significant disruptions to health care services. The report highlights, "Israeli security forces have deliberately killed, detained and tortured medical personnel and targeted medical vehicles" during the extensive military operations within the besieged territory. They noted the impacts went beyond immediate violence; attacks have led to severe shortages of medical resources, including fuel, food, water, and other essentials necessary for hospitals to operate.
The inquiry outlined how logistical challenges severely restricted the ability of medical facilities to function, significantly hampering the passage of patients who needed urgent treatment outside of Gaza. This situation worsened over the past year, amid increased hostilities.
The Israeli foreign ministry has vehemently dismissed these accusations, calling the findings "outrageous" and labeling them as part of what they view as attempts to delegitimize Israel. They argue the report fails to acknowledge the reality on the ground, where medical facilities were allegedly utilized by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad for military purposes, hiding arms and fighters within institutions meant for health care.
Further heightening tensions, reports of civilian casualties have continued to emerge. For example, on October 10, 2024, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 28 Palestinians who were seeking refuge at a school sheltering displaced persons. This incident demonstrates the volatile environment of the conflict, where ordinary citizens and medical professionals find themselves caught amid military actions.
The UN inquiry also did not shy away from addressing the actions of Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups, accusing them of war crimes as well, including torture and forced detention of Israeli hostages captured during recent conflicts. This comprehensive examination of hostilities aims to give voice to the suffering on both sides, yet it faces challenges amid deep-seated political divisions.
Adding another layer to the matter, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), expressed concerns over efforts to undermine the agency, stating, "it has almost been an objective of the war to get rid of UNRWA." His comments highlight the precarious position of humanitarian agencies operating within conflict zones, where funding and safety are constantly at risk.
Lazzarini provided insight on the financial situation of UNRWA, noting clarity on funding from the United States is expected by early 2025, which is currently uncertain amid political shifts and outcomes of related hostilities.
These events are indicative of the broader humanitarian crisis facing Gaza. Many families are grieving the loss of loved ones, with some reports highlighting tragedies such as the death of 5-year-old Hind Rajab, who became emblematic of the overwhelming toll the conflict has taken on children. Despite emergency services reaching her location, the presence of Israeli forces reportedly blocked access, preventing the retrieval of her family members.
Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who commented on the situation, stated, “Children in particularly have borne the brunt of these attacks, suffering both directly and indirectly from the collapse of the health system.” This reflects a significant concern for future generations growing up amid the violence and instability.
The report generated by the Commission is slated for presentation to the UN General Assembly on October 30, where it will likely feed the contentious debates surrounding the war. Meanwhile, informal discussions continue among international stakeholders on how to address the deteriorative conditions resulting from the conflict.
Given the complexity of the situation, any resolution appears distant. The hostilities show no signs of abatement, and as the inquiries proceed, they underline the desperate need for international attention and potential solutions to prevent more tragedies from occurring.
Even as accusations fly, there remains the reality of human suffering interwoven through these reports. Amid allegations and fires of conflict, the people of Gaza continue to experience the fallout of decisions made far from their control, compelling the global community to confront the messy realities of war.
