Dec 31: A United Nations report highlights that Israeli strikes on hospitals in Gaza have pushed the region’s healthcare system to the edge of collapse. The report states that between October 7, 2023, and June 30, 2024, at least 136 strikes targeted 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities, leading to severe damage, casualties among healthcare workers and civilians, and the destruction of critical infrastructure.
The UN emphasizes that under international humanitarian law, medical personnel and hospitals are protected unless they are used to harm the enemy. Israel claims that hospitals in Gaza are being used by terrorist groups like Hamas to plan attacks and hide weapons, which voids their protected status. It also asserts efforts to protect civilians and ensure safe evacuations.
An infographic released by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in December 2024 showed alleged roadside bombs planted by Hamas near a hospital in northern Gaza. Israel has also shared evidence suggesting terrorists use hospitals for operations, including hiding hostages.
However, the UN report calls Israel’s claims “vague,” saying there isn’t enough publicly available evidence to back these allegations. In some cases, the report suggests the claims are contradicted by other information.
