The World Health Organization (WHO) expresses deep concern over the recent attack on the Indonesian Hospital in North Gaza, where at least 12 individuals, including patients and their companions, are reported to have lost their lives. The attack has left tens of people injured, with some facing critical and life-threatening conditions. The horror of such incidents within a hospital setting is appalling, and both health workers and civilians should never be subjected to such circumstances.
Current reports indicate that the Indonesian Hospital remains besieged, with no entry or exit allowed. There are reports of gunfire towards those attempting to leave, but fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported thus far. The hospital, like others in northern Gaza and Gaza City, is grappling with power outages and severe shortages of water, essential medicines, and supplies due to generator failures and fuel shortages over the past few weeks. These challenges limit the hospital’s ability to provide critical services, endangering the lives of those with severe injuries and medical emergencies.
Over the past six weeks, there have been multiple attacks on health facilities, leading to mass evacuations, fatalities, and casualties among patients, their companions, and those seeking refuge in hospitals. The Indonesian Hospital had already suffered damages from at least five attacks since October 7.
Since October 7, WHO has documented 335 attacks on healthcare in the occupied Palestinian territory, including 164 in the Gaza Strip and 171 in the West Bank. Additionally, there were 33 attacks on healthcare in Israel during the violent events of October 7.
These attacks, coupled with shortages of essential resources, have drastically reduced hospital bed capacity in Gaza from 3500 beds before October 7 to 1400 beds, creating critical gaps for patients in need of hospitalization.
WHO urges the conflicting parties to uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, respecting the sanctity of health facilities and actively ensuring their protection. The international community must not remain silent in the face of hospitals, meant to be safe havens, being transformed into scenes of death, devastation, and despair.
Healthcare is not a target, and it is imperative to safeguard the well-being of those seeking medical assistance.
By Osaiyekemwen Confidence
