A recent report from a U.N. commission has accused Israel of deliberately destroying Gaza’s health care system through continuous and intentional attacks during its year-long conflict with Hamas. The experts further highlighted the issue of torture and sexual abuse inflicted upon both Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages by both sides involved in the conflict.
The commission, led by former U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay, was established by the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council in 2021 to investigate human rights violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The independent experts on the panel do not represent the United Nations, and there has been no immediate response from Israel, which has often criticised the U.N. for bias and has not cooperated with the commission.
Israeli forces have reportedly conducted raids on hospitals in Gaza, alleging that militants seek refuge there. However, Palestinian medical officials deny these claims and accuse Israel of recklessly putting civilian lives at risk. The report highlighted Israel’s actions as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity, calling for an immediate halt to the destruction of health care facilities in Gaza.
The commission also shed light on the mistreatment of children and adults detained in Gaza, revealing widespread physical and psychological abuse, including sexual and gender-based violence. Shocking details included reports of Israeli security forces raping male detainees and subjecting them to degrading acts while naked. The report condemned such acts as institutionalized abuses sanctioned by Israeli authorities.
Moreover, the U.N. experts pointed out that Palestinian hostages held by militant groups in Gaza were also subjected to physical violence, isolation, limited access to essentials, and threats. The report urged for the immediate release of all hostages and accused Palestinian armed groups of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, alongside condemning Israel’s actions in the conflict.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with thousands of Palestinians reportedly killed and large sections of Gaza destroyed, leading to the displacement of a substantial portion of its population. International bodies, such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, are examining allegations of genocide and war crimes committed in Gaza.
Israel vehemently denies the accusations and asserts compliance with international law amid the escalating situation. The fallout from the conflict continues to spark global concerns, as efforts are made to address the human rights violations and bring accountability to the parties involved in the conflict.