The recent events surrounding the Israeli operation in Nasser hospital in Khan Younis have raised concerns about the protection of medical facilities and the right to medical care in conflict zones. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have forcibly displaced remaining patients, medical teams, and their families from the Nasser Medical Complex. This not only puts the lives of vulnerable patients at risk but also violates their fundamental right to access medical care.
Spokesman Dr Ashraf al-Qudra has reported that the IDF has asked hospital staff to transfer all patients, including those in intensive care, to a separate building within the hospital complex. Such a relocation of critically ill patients, especially during ongoing military operations, can have severe consequences for their health and well-being. It is crucial to ensure that medical facilities remain operational and fully accessible, particularly in conflict situations where the demand for healthcare services is heightened.
Al-Qudra further accuses the IDF of demolishing the southern wall of the hospital using a bulldozer. This act not only compromises the structural integrity of the hospital but also disrupts the functioning of medical services. Additionally, the targeting of ambulance headquarters and the tents of displaced people within the hospital premises raises concerns about the safety and security of both patients and medical personnel.
The reported targeting of mass graves at the hospital is deeply distressing. Mass graves are places where the deceased are laid to rest with dignity and respect. Deliberately targeting these sacred sites is not only an attack on the memory and identity of those buried there but also constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law. Respect for the dignity of the dead is a core principle that must be upheld, even in times of armed conflict.
The impact of these actions on the local community and the broader society cannot be underestimated. In addition to the physical and psychological trauma experienced by patients and medical staff, the sense of security and trust in the healthcare system is severely undermined. The fear of targeted attacks on medical facilities can deter people from seeking timely medical attention, leading to preventable deaths and exacerbating the health crisis in the region.
It is essential for the international community to strongly condemn any actions that endanger the lives of patients and obstruct the provision of medical care. Parties involved in armed conflicts must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, which explicitly prohibits attacks on medical personnel, facilities, and transports. Safeguarding the right to medical care for all, irrespective of their circumstances or affiliations, is a fundamental principle that must be upheld in all conflicts.
Efforts should be made to provide immediate and unhindered access to medical care for those affected by the conflict. The transfer of patients to a safe facility within the hospital complex must be carried out with utmost care to ensure the continuity of their treatment. International organizations and humanitarian actors on the ground should coordinate closely to provide assistance, support, and protection to medical facilities and personnel.
Furthermore, investigations should be conducted to ascertain the veracity of the reported actions by the IDF. If these allegations are substantiated, those responsible must be held accountable for their actions. Impunity for violations against medical facilities and the right to medical care undermines the principles of justice and accountability.
In conclusion, the Israeli special forces’ entry into Nasser hospital in Khan Younis has triggered concerns about the protection of medical facilities and the right to medical care in conflict zones. The forced displacement of patients, demolition of hospital structures, and targeting of mass graves are grave violations of international humanitarian law. The international community must condemn such actions and ensure that medical facilities remain operational, accessible, and secure. Upholding the right to medical care for all, irrespective of their circumstances, is essential to mitigate the human suffering caused by armed conflicts.
