The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has condemned Israel’s relentless targeting of Gaza’s healthcare facilities describing the situation as a "human rights catastrophe unfolding before the eyes of the world."
During the a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the enclave, Turk warned about the devastating consequences of Israel’s destruction of hospitals, which not only denies Palestinians access to healthcare but also removes critical sanctuaries for civilians seeking safety.
"The destruction of hospitals across Gaza goes beyond depriving Palestinians of their right to access adequate health care. Those hospitals provided sanctuary for thousands of people with nowhere else to go," he added.
Turk cited examples such as Kamal Adwan Hospital, rendered inoperable after Israeli forces raided and burned the building, and Al-Awda Hospital, which is struggling to function under relentless attacks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has echoed Turk’s concerns. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative for the West Bank and Gaza, described how hospitals in Gaza have turned into battlegrounds, depriving patients of lifesaving care.
Despite these dire conditions, Peeperkorn commended health workers and aid organisations for maintaining services under impossible circumstances.
The UN has repeatedly warned that Israel’s military operations place the entire Palestinian population in jeopardy. Calls for an independent and transparent investigation into attacks on hospitals and healthcare personnel remain unanswered.
Turk also urged Israel to ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid and to fulfil its obligations under international law by ending its occupation of Palestinian territories.
The UN and international organizations have called on global powers to intervene and protect civilians in Gaza. Turk warned that the “atrocity crimes” could escalate further unless immediate action is taken.
"I once more, warn in the strongest terms about the risk of atrocity crimes being committed in the occupied Palestinian territory. I urge all those with influence to take action accordingly and to protect civilians as a matter of absolute priority. It is essential that there is full accountability for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights," he said.
Since October, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have killed over 45,550 people, predominantly women and children, and displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinian families.
These actions have drawn international condemnation, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.