The dire situation in Gaza’s healthcare system was highlighted during a recent meeting of the U.N. Security Council on January 3, 2025. Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative for the West Bank and Gaza, issued a warning about the imminent collapse of Gaza’s health system. He emphasized how hospitals have become battlegrounds, rendering them out of service and depriving individuals of life-saving care. Currently, only 16 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are partially functional, with a total bed capacity of just 1,822 beds, significantly below what is necessary to address the health crisis effectively.
The destruction of hospitals in Gaza was described as a “human rights catastrophe” by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented at least 136 strikes on 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. The recent attacks on Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last functioning hospital in North Gaza, are part of a concerning pattern outlined in a recent OHCHR report.
The OHCHR report, published on December 31, 2024, highlighted the severe consequences of the attacks on Gaza’s healthcare system. The limited access to healthcare has prevented individuals with trauma injuries from receiving timely treatment, leading to preventable deaths. Pregnant women, newborns, and patients with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable due to the lack of adequate medical care.
During the U.N. Security Council meeting, the U.N. High Commissioner stressed the importance of protecting hospitals during warfare and called for thorough investigations into all attacks on healthcare infrastructure. However, Israel’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Brett Jonathan Miller, defended the recent operations conducted by the Israel Defense Forces, citing the apprehension of terrorists hiding within hospitals.
The ongoing attacks on hospitals in Gaza have pushed the healthcare system to the brink of collapse, severely impacting Palestinians’ access to critical medical care. Urgent action is required to restore access to healthcare and ensure the protection of healthcare facilities during conflicts. Investigations into attacks on healthcare infrastructure must be conducted promptly to prevent further loss of life and suffering among the civilian population.
