10/16/2024
In a Special Report, “Horeya” Documents Israeli Military Violations Against Gaza’s Healthcare System and Calls for Ensuring the Protection of Medical Personnel, Institutions, and Hospitals
The Coalition of Human Rights Institutions – Horeya has released a special report titled “The Healthcare System is part of Israel army’s target bank , documenting the military’s violations against medical personnel and healthcare institutions during its ongoing assault on Gaza for the second consecutive year
In its report, Horeya stated that a copy had been sent to the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court , the Pre-Trial Chamber, the International Court of Justice, and several relevant international institutions and bodies. The report highlights that, over the course of a year of systematic attacks, the Israeli occupation forces have directly targeted medical personnel, healthcare workers, facilities, and various medical properties and infrastructure
Horeya emphasized in its report that the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza constitutes severe violations of all laws and customs of war, which grant comprehensive and extensive protection to medical personnel, equipment, healthcare centers, and hospitals, prohibiting any attacks against them or their use as military targets.
Horeya documented during the reporting period the killing of “1,218” individuals from the medical staff and healthcare workers. It also documented the injury of “1,750” and the arrest of “310” medical staff and healthcare workers. According to the report prepared by the Coalition of Human Rights Institutions - Horeya, the Israeli occupation forces destroyed “88” hospitals and healthcare centers completely, rendering these institutions non-operational. Horeya also documented the partial destruction of “14” hospitals and healthcare facilities, in addition to documenting the destruction and burning of “130” ambulances by the Israeli occupation forces. The report noted a dangerous precedent represented by the seizure of healthcare centers and hospitals by the Israeli occupation forces, converting them into military bases, and in some cases, interrogation and torture sites for civilians.
The report addressed the responsibility of the occupying authorities for the actions of their military on the ground in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law. It also emphasized that the international community, particularly the signatories to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, bears the responsibility to pursue and hold perpetrators accountable
In conclusion, Horeya emphasized that the International Criminal Court is the last resort and only hope for the victims of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Horeya stressed the need to end the impunity that perpetrators have enjoyed for decades under the protection of immunity. It urged the ICC Prosecutor to proceed with investigations into the crimes committed by Israeli forces to ensure justice for the victims
The report also called on the Pre-Trial Chamber judges to comply with the Prosecutor’s request and issue arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and other officials involved. Additionally, it warned against yielding to political pressure that may be exerted on the Court’s judges
Horeya called for Arab and Islamic international action to put an end to the genocide being committed against approximately two million Palestinians for the second consecutive year and to work diligently in partnership with the United Nations to halt the war
Horeya also emphasized the need to provide protection for Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories including medical personnel
Horeya reiterated in its report the necessity of activating international accountability mechanisms to ensure the rights of victims of occupation forces’ violations, securing justice and compensation, and punishing those responsible for the violations and those who ordered them
It also recommended that the State of Palestine enhance cooperation with all international institutions, bodies, and committees to ensure the accountability and punishment of Israeli perpetrators for their crimes against Gaza’s civilians in general and against medical personnel, equipment, and healthcare facilities in particular
End of Report
October 16, 2024
Coalition of Human Rights Institutions – Horeya, Gaza, Palestine
To read the report in English , click on the link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/192q6LtplDvudMV1f21iEucEi5kkdh2jn/view?usp=drive_link
To read the report in Arabic, click on the link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wr4_TGmnxErDom5W_VNUYOw2-oNHGcbU/view?usp=drive_link