Seven percent of the Gaza Strip population has been killed or injured since October 2023. UN Security Council hears report on Gaza’s health system collapse Peace and Security
Since October 2023, seven percent of the enclave’s population has been killed or injured, and its health infrastructure has been systematically destroyed. On Friday, the WHO and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights described a horrific picture of human suffering at the UN Security Council. The UN human rights chief called what is happening in Gaza “a catastrophe unfolding before the eyes of the world,” noting that Israel’s actions could amount to war crimes.
Today’s meeting was convened by the delegation of Algeria, which holds the presidency of the Security Council in January. The main topic of the debate is the collapse of Gaza’s entire health system.
“More than just hospitals”
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for an immediate end to attacks on medical infrastructure in his speech. “The destruction of hospitals across Gaza is more than just denying Palestinians their right to access health care. These hospitals provide shelter for thousands of people who have nowhere else to live,” he said.
Attacks on Medical Facilities
The UN Human Rights Office recorded 136 attacks on 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities from October 2023 to June 2024. “Deliberately targeting hospitals and other facilities where the sick and wounded are treated, unless those buildings are military objectives, are war crimes,” Türk said. He also noted that the destruction of health facilities could, under certain circumstances, be considered a form of collective punishment, which is also a crime.
Vulnerable Populations
Turk drew attention to the situation of vulnerable groups, including women and children. “Six babies have died of hypothermia in recent days. Many women give birth without assistance, which increases the risks for mother and child. Newborns have died due to lack of medical care,” he said.
Military Use of Hospitals
Volker Turk reported that he had received a letter in which the Israeli side claims that the recently destroyed Kamal Adwan Hospital, like many other medical facilities, was used by Hamas militants for military purposes. However, the UN human rights chief continued, Israel has not provided enough evidence to support these accusations.
“If these reports are confirmed, there is serious cause for concern that Palestinian armed groups are deliberately using civilians as human shields to protect themselves from attacks. This also amounts to a war crime,” the rapporteur stressed.
Call for an investigation
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for independent investigations into all violations and for those responsible to be held accountable. “I call for independent, thorough and transparent investigations into all Israeli attacks on hospitals, medical infrastructure and personnel, as well as into cases of alleged misuse of such facilities,” the UN human rights chief said.
Seven percent of Gaza’s population killed or wounded
The World Health Organization (WHO) representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, Rick Pieperkorn, confirmed the destruction of medical facilities in Gaza in his speech. “Hospitals have become battlefields,” he said. According to the organization, since October 2023, seven percent of the enclave’s population has been killed or injured, with more than a quarter of the 105,000 injured suffering serious injuries.
WHO reported that of the 36 hospitals in Gaza, only 16 are partially functioning, providing just 1,822 beds, which is far below the required levels. Many hospitals can only provide basic care and are unable to treat chronic diseases or complex injuries. Over 14 months, the WHO has confirmed 654 cases of attacks on medical facilities, resulting in 886 deaths and 1,349 injuries. “The health sector is being systematically destroyed and the situation is approaching the point of no return,” a WHO spokesman said.
Particular attention was paid to Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, which was put out of action as a result of the raids. “Key parts of the hospital, including the laboratory, surgical department and medical warehouse, were burned and severely damaged. We are also concerned about the fate of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyeh, the director of the hospital, with whom contact was lost after his detention,” Pieperkorn added.
Medical evacuation
He also recalled the difficulties associated with medical evacuation. “Since October 2023, only 5,383 patients have been evacuated abroad for treatment. More than 12,000, including thousands of children, need evacuation. At the current rate, this could take between five and 10 years,” the WHO representative said.
The organization once again called for the protection of health workers and health facilities. “Hospitals must have special protection in accordance with international humanitarian law. Even in exceptional circumstances, when health facilities lose their protected status, parties to the conflict are obliged to respect the rules of proportionality and precaution,” the rapporteur said.
The speaker called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, an increase in the volume of humanitarian aid delivered to the enclave, and an acceleration of the issuance of permits for the evacuation of patients in urgent need of specialized care.