Israel's military actions in Gaza have brought the territory's healthcare system to the brink of total collapse, as reported by the UN Human Rights Office. A comprehensive 23-page report, covering incidents from October 7, 2023, to June 30, 2024, outlines a devastating impact resulting from 136 strikes on 27 hospitals and 12 medical facilities, leading to considerable casualties among medical personnel and civilians while causing substantial destruction of critical infrastructure. The report signifies a catastrophic deterioration of Gaza's already strained healthcare system, raising grave concerns about potential violations of international law and possible war crimes committed during these military operations. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated, “As if the relentless bombing and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza were not enough, the one sanctuary where Palestinians should have felt safe in fact became a death trap” (SCMP).

The UN report highlights a pattern of Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities, where patients and medical staff have been endangered. Recent military operations have reportedly resulted in more than 45,500 deaths in Gaza, predominantly among civilians (BBC), as the Israeli government intensifies its campaign following the **Hamas-led attacks** on October 7. The report specifically criticized Israel's claims that hospitals were being used for military purposes as vague and lacking sufficient evidence, stating that these allegations need to be substantiated publicly. It emphasizes that medical personnel and facilities are protected under international humanitarian law as long as they do not engage in acts harmful to the enemy (The Guardian).

UN reports note that the situation has reached a critical level, affecting even basic healthcare services such as maternal and prenatal care, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The systematic targeting of medical infrastructure has led to what some experts describe as "collective punishment," which also may constitute a war crime (Al Jazeera).

Turk called for independent investigations into these incidents, emphasizing the necessity for accountability for any violations of international law. He stated that “it is essential that there be independent, thorough and transparent investigations of all of these incidents, and full accountability for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights law which have taken place” (Al Jazeera).

The Israeli government, in response to the report, described it as biased, claiming that Hamas exploits medical facilities for military objectives and insisting that its military operations conform to international standards (VOA News).