In times of war, the medical system becomes a critical lifeline for civilians caught in the crossfire. However, in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, this essential system has faced unprecedented destruction, leaving a humanitarian crisis in its wake.

The recent Israeli attacks against Gaza Strip have not only devastated hospitals and medical infrastructure but also endangered the lives of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, compounding the suffering of an already vulnerable population.

One of the most harrowing incidents in this conflict is the destruction and burning of Al-Adwan Hospital which, like many others in Gaza, served as a beacon of hope for thousands in need of urgent medical care. Its bombing not only left the building in ruins but also claimed the lives of medical staff dedicated to saving others. Such attacks highlight a deeply concerning trend: the deliberate targeting of the medical system, which violates international humanitarian law and basic principles of human decency.

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, called for an end to blatant disregard of the right to health in Gaza, following the raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital.

The repercussions of these actions are far-reaching. With hospitals destroyed and medical personnel killed, injured or abducted, the capacity to treat the wounded has diminished drastically. Patients with life-threatening injuries are left without adequate care, while those with chronic illnesses are deprived of their treatments, many of them succumbing to their illness amid Israel’s denial for medical evacuation. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly—already among the most vulnerable—bear the brunt of this collapse.

Furthermore, the targeting of ambulances and clinics has rendered it nearly impossible for medical teams to operate safely. Reports of paramedics being attacked while responding to emergencies have emerged, raising serious questions about the safety and neutrality of healthcare providers in conflict zones.

The UN experts in their statement following the Israeli bombing of al-Adwan Hospital said the healthcare workers are not legitimate targets for attack, nor can they legitimately be detained for exercising their profession.

The destruction of Gaza’s medical infrastructure also has a psychological toll on its people. For residents of Gaza, hospitals are not just places for treatment; they are symbols of resilience and hope. Watching these institutions burn and crumble under relentless attacks sends a chilling message: even spaces meant for healing and care are no longer safe.

The targeting of healthcare systems in Gaza also raises critical concerns regarding international law. The Geneva Conventions (ICRC Code 2) explicitly protect medical facilities, personnel, and patients in times of war. Violating these principles constitutes a war crime, yet the attacks continue unabated, with little accountability.

This calculated dismantling of Gaza's healthcare system leaves the region on the brink of collapse. The absence of functioning hospitals, combined with shortages of medical supplies and equipment due to ongoing blockades, exacerbates the crisis. Even international aid organizations face significant challenges in delivering much-needed assistance, as many routes into Gaza are blocked or heavily monitored.

Amid this devastation, healthcare workers in Gaza continue to perform heroic feats. Despite the risks to their own lives, they tirelessly treat patients, often with limited resources and under harrowing conditions. Their bravery and dedication stand as a testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The world cannot remain silent as Gaza's medical system is systematically dismantled. This is not merely a regional issue but a global humanitarian crisis. It is imperative for the international community to demand an immediate end to the targeting of medical facilities and personnel. Governments, humanitarian organizations, and individuals must amplify their voices, urging for accountability and the protection of healthcare services in conflict zones.

In conclusion, the destruction of Gaza's healthcare infrastructure is a tragedy that affects not only the region but the very principles of humanity and international law. The bombing of hospitals like Al-Adwan and the targeting of doctors and medical staff are violations that demand urgent attention and action.

Protecting the medical system is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative to safeguard the dignity and lives of innocent civilians caught in the throes of war.