WHO condemns recent hospital attacks
New Attacks Target Hospitals and Ambulance Convoy in Gaza Strip
In a recent statement issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), it has been revealed that a devastating attack took place at the entrance of Şifa Hospital in the Gaza Strip. The incident occurred while ambulances were in the process of evacuating seriously injured individuals and patients to hospitals located in the southern region of Gaza.
Initial reports suggest that the attack has claimed the lives of 13 people, while more than 60 others have sustained injuries. The hospital infrastructure was also severely damaged, along with one of the ambulances present at the scene. Such distressing news raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of patients who rely on these crucial healthcare facilities.
Furthermore, it has been disclosed in the statement that prior to the attack, the Palestinian Ministry of Health pleaded for the safe passage of the ambulance convoy transporting injured individuals and patients from the hospital. This measure was taken in an attempt to accommodate the growing number of patients in need of treatment and to alleviate the burden on Şifa Hospital, which is currently accommodating thousands of displaced individuals.
Disturbingly, the WHO statement also reports that two other attacks occurred on the same day. One of the incidents took place near Jerusalem Hospital, resulting in the injury of at least 21 people. Additionally, another attack was carried out in close proximity to Indonesia Hospital. These repeated assaults on healthcare facilities are utterly unacceptable and cause significant harm to innocent civilians.
WHO has unequivocally condemned the attacks that took place near Jerusalem, Indonesia, and Shifa hospitals on November 3. The organization firmly believes that such assaults on health services, including the deliberate targeting of hospitals and the obstruction of essential aid delivery, may constitute violations of international humanitarian law. In light of these egregious acts, WHO urgently calls for the protection of all health workers, patients, health transportation vehicles, and facilities. The organization reiterates its plea for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and safeguard the provision of vital healthcare services in the region.
The international community must come together to condemn these attacks and act decisively to ensure the safety and security of healthcare facilities, as well as those seeking medical assistance. Protecting the sanctity of hospitals and the lives they serve should be our collective priority, and urgent action is required to prevent any further damage to the already fragile healthcare system in the Gaza Strip.
