The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has raised grave concerns about the Israeli occupation’s ongoing attacks on healthcare facilities in the Gaza Strip, calling the situation a “human rights catastrophe.”
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East, Turk highlighted the devastating impact of the Israeli aggression, which has killed tens of thousands, displaced countless others, and destroyed critical infrastructure in Gaza.
“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,” Turk said, emphasizing the dire humanitarian consequences of the strikes.
Turk warned that the military operations, especially in and around hospitals, have compounded the suffering of a population already facing massive displacement and dire healthcare needs. He urged independent investigations into Israeli attacks on hospitals and medical personnel, stressing the importance of accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws.
“I once more warn in the strongest terms about the risk of atrocity crimes being committed in the occupied Palestinian territory,” he added, calling on all parties to prioritize civilian protection and facilitate humanitarian aid access.
Turk reiterated his appeal for the Israeli occupation to end its prolonged presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, stressing the urgent need to ensure adequate health care and humanitarian assistance for Palestinians.
Health system under unprecedented strain
Richard Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative for the West Bank and Gaza, also addressed the Security Council, lamenting the repeated targeting of hospitals, which he described as “battlegrounds.”
Source: Al Mayadeen