gaza Hospital Strikes Spark Outrage, Demand for Accountability Rises
the international community is demanding justice following a series of strikes on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, which resulted in at least 20 deaths, including five journalists and four healthcare workers. The incidents have ignited renewed calls for accountability and an end to the targeting of medical facilities and media personnel in the ongoing conflict.
The strikes, which occurred on Monday, initially targeted the hospital, a critical medical facility in southern Gaza. A subsequent strike reportedly hit rescuers arriving at the scene, exacerbating the tragedy. A spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stated, “This is a shock and this is unacceptable.”
Journalists Among the Victims
Among those killed were five journalists: Ahed Abu Aziz, Hussam al-Masri, mariam Dagga, Mohammed Salama, and Moaz Abu taha. These individuals represented prominent news organizations including Middle East Eye, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and Reuters. according to the OHCHR, at least 247 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by those reporting from the region.
“These journalists are the eyes and the ears of the whole world and they must be protected,” the OHCHR spokesperson emphasized. “This raises many, many questions about the targeting of journalists and all of these incidents must absolutely be investigated and those responsible must be held accountable.”
International Law Violated
The OHCHR is currently working to corroborate the details of the strikes, reiterating that targeting both journalists and hospitals is a clear violation of international law. UNESCO,the UN cultural agency dedicated to press freedom and journalist safety,echoed these concerns,urging respect for UN Security Council resolution 2222,adopted in 2015 to protect media professionals in conflict zones. UNESCO is providing emergency assistance to journalists in Gaza, including psychosocial support and equipment.
Netanyahu Promises Investigation,Accountability Questioned
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the killings,expressing regret and describing the incident as a “tragic mishap.” He stated that the Israeli military would conduct a “thorough investigation.” Though, the OHCHR spokesperson cautioned that past Israeli investigations have failed to yield concrete results or accountability measures. “But these investigations need to yield results. There needs to be justice. We haven’t seen results or accountability measures yet,” he said.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The strikes occur against a backdrop of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. The UN reported three additional deaths from starvation on Tuesday, bringing the total death toll from hunger to 303, with 117 of the victims being children.
Fresh evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military are forcing families to flee Ad Daraj and Ash Sheikh Radwan districts in Gaza City, adding to the more than 36,200 people displaced since August 14th. “People continue to flee in fear for their lives,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Hospitals are facing critical blood shortages,requiring over 350 units per day to treat the wounded,but donations have plummeted due to the deepening famine. Humanitarian aid deliveries are also severely restricted, with only six out of twelve UN missions approved by Israeli authorities on Sunday proceeding as planned.
With famine confirmed in Gaza governorate,the UN humanitarian office (OCHA) warns that the combined effects of ongoing hostilities,displacement,and aid obstruction are “even more devastating.” The UN is urgently calling for an immediate ceasefire and “full,unhindered humanitarian access” to the region.
