A United Nations investigation has accused Israel of deliberately trying to destroy Gaza’s health care system during its conflict with Hamas, claiming these actions amount to war crimes. According to the report, Israeli forces have killed, detained, and mistreated medical workers, while also targeting ambulances and medical facilities.
The report states that Israel’s attacks blocked fuel, food, water, and medical supplies from reaching hospitals and severely limited patient access to outside medical care. While Israel has said Hamas uses health care facilities for military operations, the report says this does not justify Israel’s actions, which caused great harm, especially to children.
The inquiry also accuses Hamas of committing war crimes, including torture and abuse of Israeli hostages. One notable case was the killing of a 5-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, who died after Israeli forces blocked emergency responders from helping her family.
The full report will be presented to the United Nations General Assembly on October 30.