The United Nations Security Council on Friday held a meeting regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
During the session, Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated that Israel's justification for its military action against the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza was vague and lacked concrete evidence, contradicting publicly available information.
Turk explained that Israel frequently accuses Palestinian armed groups of using hospitals for military purposes, but these serious allegations often lack sufficient evidence and are not substantiated by reliable intelligence.
"In fact, I've just received a letter from the Israeli representative claiming that Israeli forces acted on credible intelligence that Hamas was using Kamal Adwan Hospital for military purposes. They asserted that additional measures were taken to ensure civilian safety. However, Israel has not provided enough information to validate these claims. These accusations are often vague and broad, and in some cases, they appear to be contradicted by publicly available information," said Turk.
The UN official reiterated the need for an independent, thorough, and transparent investigation into all attacks by Israel on hospitals, healthcare facilities, infrastructure, and medical personnel in Gaza, as well as allegations of the misuse of these facilities.
On Dec 27, 2024, Israeli forces launched a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, arresting several medical staff, including the hospital's director, Hussam Abu Safiya. As one of the last major operational medical facilities in northern Gaza, the hospital's raid further exacerbated the collapse of the region's healthcare system.
The World Health Organization has expressed serious concerns about the fate of the detained medical staff, particularly Hussam Abu Safiya, and has called for their immediate release.
UN official says Israeli military action against Gaza hospital lacks basis
UN official says Israeli military action against Gaza hospital lacks basis
