Global Research
Another Israeli Attack on a Hospital, Another War Crime
PRESS RELEASE, MINISTRY OF HEALTH GAZA
July 21, 2014
The Ministry of Health Gaza
strongly condemns today’s attacks on health facilities and personnel by
the Israeli occupation forces, and expresses its deep concern at the
serious implications for patients, health personnel and provision of
critical medical care.
Israeli tanks attacked Al Aqsa hospital in Deir Al Balah three times
this afternoon, killing five patients and doctors, and injuring more
than 70.
The third and fourth floors,
housing the emergency department, orthopaedic department, surgical
department, and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were destroyed. Operating
theatres had to cease work because of the lack of oxygen.
Patients are being evacuated
to the already over-stretched Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and the
European Gaza Hospital between Rafah and Khan Younes, which has also
been damaged by Israeli fire.
“At a time when hospitals are
overwhelmed with patients because of the brutal Israeli offensive, it is
vital that these facilities be protected and medical staff be allowed
to provide urgent medical, surgical and obstetric care to patients
without any risk,” said Dr Medhat Abbas, Director of Al Aqsa Hospital.
Today’s atrocity is the latest in a series of Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza, in clear breach of the Geneva Convention.
The European Gaza Hospital
was struck on July 9, damaging the ICU and the paediatric unit, and
injuring a nurse. The Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital was struck by rockets
several times, eventually forcing the evacuation of 17 high-dependency
patients amid fire and smoke on July 17.
Beit Hanoun hospital was hit on
July 18 and 19, the first strikes targeting an area containing a
children’s ward, reception area, and doctors’ offices. The next day ten
shells were fired around it, injuring many and causing extensive damage
in the area.
Six Primary Health Care
clinics and four ambulances have been damaged, 13 health facilities
closed, 20 health personnel injured, and a pharmacist and a paramedic
have been killed, in addition to today’s casualties.
We deplore the escalating
violence against Gazan civilians and civilian infrastructure, and demand
that the Israeli occupation respect their obligations under
international humanitarian law to protect civilians, health facilities
and health professionals.
We note that attacks against
health facilities can be considered war crimes under international law,
and call upon the international community and the United Nations to take
immediate action to prevent further such outrages against the Gazan
citizenry by the Israeli occupation.
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