Israel’s recent attacks on hospitals in Gaza have sparked international outrage and raised questions about the country’s actions in the region. These attacks are not isolated incidents but are part of a larger pattern that dates back to 1948 when Israel was established as a state.
The Geneva Conventions, which are a set of international treaties that establish the standards of humanitarian law for the treatment of civilians and prisoners of war during armed conflict, explicitly prohibit the targeting of hospitals and medical facilities. Despite this, Israel has been accused of violating these conventions by targeting hospitals in Gaza.
In May 2021, during the latest round of violence between Israel and Hamas, several hospitals in Gaza were damaged or destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. This not only put the lives of patients and medical staff at risk but also hindered the ability of these hospitals to provide critical care to those in need.
One of the hospitals that was targeted was Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza. The hospital serves as a lifeline for many Palestinians in the region and plays a crucial role in providing medical care during times of conflict. The damage caused to Al-Shifa Hospital has had a devastating impact on the ability of healthcare workers to treat patients and save lives.
These attacks on hospitals are not new for Israel. In fact, they are part of a larger pattern of aggression and disregard for international law that has been ongoing since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. The Israeli government has a long history of using military force to maintain control over Palestinian territories and suppress any form of resistance.
The roots of this conflict can be traced back to the creation of Israel in 1948, which led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes. This event, known as the Nakba or “catastrophe,” marked the beginning of decades of violence and oppression against the Palestinian people.
Since then, Israel has engaged in numerous military campaigns and occupations in Gaza and the West Bank, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. The targeting of hospitals and other civilian infrastructure has become a common tactic used by the Israeli military to exert control over the Palestinian population and suppress any form of resistance.
The international community has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and called for an end to the violence. The United Nations has called for an independent investigation into the attacks on hospitals and other civilian infrastructure in Gaza, citing possible violations of international law.
Despite these calls for accountability, Israel has continued its aggressive actions in Gaza, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The targeting of hospitals not only violates international law but also goes against basic principles of humanity and compassion.
As the world watches in horror at the destruction unfolding in Gaza, it is clear that Israel’s actions are part of a larger pattern of aggression and disregard for human rights. The targeting of hospitals is just one example of the many atrocities committed by Israel against the Palestinian people over the past seven decades.
It is time for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The lives of innocent civilians, including those seeking medical care in hospitals, depend on it.