This story at a glance…

1. A UN inquiry accuses Israel of war crimes for targeting Gaza’s healthcare system.

2. The report alleges intentional “extermination” by blocking medical aid.

3. Israel denies the charges, claiming it targets terrorist threats, not healthcare.

4. Hamas is also accused of war crimes, including mistreating hostages.

  UN Inquiry Accuses Israel of War Crimes 

A United Nations inquiry has accused Israel of targeting and dismantling Gaza’s healthcare system amid an ongoing conflict with Hamas. The report, released by the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, claims that Israel’s actions amount to war crimes, including “willful killing and mistreatment” and a “crime against humanity of extermination.” According to the commission, Israeli forces have directly targeted medical facilities, vehicles, and personnel in Gaza, resulting in significant humanitarian impacts on the local population.

Allegations of Deliberate Destruction and Suffering
The report suggests that Israel's military operations have restricted the flow of vital resources like fuel, food, and medical supplies to Gaza’s hospitals. As a result, many patients were unable to access critical care, including those needing permits to leave Gaza for medical treatment. Navi Pillay, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized that children have been particularly affected, bearing the consequences of the healthcare system’s collapse.

One specific incident highlighted by the report involved five-year-old Hind Rajab, who died after her family was trapped in their car amid shelling. Though an ambulance arrived at the scene, Israeli security forces prevented emergency workers from accessing the area, delaying the retrieval of Rajab’s family members for nearly two weeks.

Israel’s Response to the Accusations
In response, the Israeli foreign ministry called the report’s allegations “outrageous” and argued that they undermine Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism. Israel maintains that its military actions are necessary to counter threats from Hamas, which it alleges has exploited medical facilities for terrorist activities, including hiding weapons and operatives within hospitals. Hamas has denied these claims.

The UN report also investigates accusations of war crimes by Hamas, particularly regarding the treatment of Israeli hostages and alleged torture of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. While Israel denies mistreating detainees, the UN commission alleges widespread mistreatment.

Ongoing Investigations and Broader Implications
This report is part of the UN’s broader investigation into the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen numerous allegations of war crimes from both sides. The findings will be presented to the UN General Assembly on October 30. The inquiry previously reported that both Israel and Hamas might be guilty of war crimes, underscoring the complexity and prolonged nature of the conflict.

Reflection
Even in times of profound suffering, God’s promise of hope remains steadfast. In Romans 15:13, we’re reminded, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.” As we face these difficult realities, let us pray for hope and healing in Gaza, trusting that God’s light can break through even the darkest days.