The United Nations commission of inquiry has released a damning report accusing Israel of deliberately targeting Gaza’s healthcare system during its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The report, led by former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay, alleges that Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities and treatment of Palestinian detainees amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
According to the commission, Israeli security forces have intentionally killed, detained, and tortured medical personnel, while children have suffered the most from the collapse of the health system. The report highlights the tragic case of five-year-old Hind Rajab, whose family was killed as they tried to flee bombing, and who ultimately died along with the ambulance crew trying to reach her.
In addition to condemning Israel’s actions, the report also accuses Hamas and other Palestinian groups of war crimes and crimes against humanity for their treatment of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The commission calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining hostages and expresses concern about the treatment of Palestinian detainees, including children, who have allegedly been subjected to systematic abuse by Israeli security forces.
The report adds to growing concerns about the conduct of the widening war in the Middle East, with ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court and a case at the International Court of Justice. The conflict began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in a high death toll and a significant number of hostages taken. The toll on Gaza’s population has been devastating, with over 42,000 people killed according to the territory’s health ministry.
Israel has yet to comment on the report, but has previously dismissed critical reports from the UN, citing bias. The findings of the commission are set to be presented to the UN General Assembly on 30 October, raising further questions about accountability and justice in the ongoing conflict.
