The ongoing violence in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) has drawn significant international attention, particularly concerning its impact on the healthcare infrastructure. The Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition (SHCC) reported a staggering 1,361 incidents of violence against or obstruction of healthcare services during 2024 alone. These incidents underline a troubling trend: healthcare facilities, crucial to the wellbeing of the population, are increasingly becoming targets in the ongoing conflict.
From May 28 to June 10, 2025, the situation further deteriorated, revealing the extent to which healthcare has been compromised amidst rising tensions. The impact on health facilities has been profound; at least 192 instances involved the damage or destruction of health infrastructure, primarily attributed to actions by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) utilizing explosive weapons. These attacks are not isolated events but are part of a broader pattern that has significant implications for both immediate care and long-term health outcomes in the region.
Key health facilities, including the Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza, Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis, and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, have all reported multiple damages over the past months. Notably, Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which has a crucial role in providing medical care, was among those that faced repeated attacks from October to December 2023. The continuous targeting of these hospitals not only jeopardizes patient safety but also places healthcare professionals at an elevated risk, often forcing them into dangerous and untenable situations.
Reports indicate that healthcare workers have found it increasingly challenging to provide essential services when health facilities are under threat. Medical staff and patients have been injured or even killed due to direct gunfire, as was the case during multiple assaults on hospitals and health clinics. The psychological toll on healthcare providers is immense, as they grapple with the dual burden of treating patients while navigating the omnipresent risk of violence.
Moreover, Israeli military bulldozers have extensively damaged health infrastructure during raids, further exacerbating the already dire situation. The targeted destruction of medical facilities not only affects immediate healthcare delivery but also undermines the long-term capacity of the healthcare system to cope with future crises.
The SHCC’s findings reveal that Israeli forces used explosive weapons over 230 times near healthcare facilities throughout 2024. The sheer force of these explosives creates blast waves and shrapnel that cause immediate physical damage and also impede access to healthcare. The resulting chaos renders it increasingly difficult for medical teams and patients to reach hospitals, effectively obstructing essential services at a time when they are needed the most.
The implications of these attacks extend far beyond the immediate physical damage; they create a climate of fear and anxiety among healthcare workers and patients alike. Individuals in need of medical attention may hesitate to seek care, fearing violence or obstruction on their way to medical facilities, which can lead to worsening health outcomes and preventable deaths.
Internationally, there has been a growing outcry regarding the protection of healthcare in conflict zones. Such norms are not merely suggestions; they are rooted in obligations under international humanitarian law, which requires all parties in a conflict to respect and protect medical facilities and personnel. Yet, the situation in the oPt indicates a troubling disregard for such principles.
As the conflict continues, the destruction of health infrastructure raises significant ethical questions. Is it justifiable to prioritize military objectives over the fundamental right to health? The answer is increasingly seen as "no," as patterns of violence clearly indicate a blatant violation of obligations to protect non-combatants and medical facilities.
The voices of health workers in the oPt have echoed the urgent need for change. These professionals are not just medical practitioners; they are advocates for human rights and the essential services that underpin the survival of their communities. Their stories reveal the desperation of a population longing for peace, stability, and, most importantly, access to healthcare.
In summary, the reports detailing the attacks on healthcare in the occupied Palestinian territory paint a grim picture of healthcare infrastructure under siege. With health facilities repeatedly damaged or destroyed, the consequences are dire, affecting both immediate medical care and long-term health system viability. The international community must collectively voice opposition to these patterns of violence and advocate for the protection of healthcare in conflict zones, ensuring that healthcare remains a sanctuary for all, regardless of the circumstances.
Ultimately, it is crucial that healthcare be recognized as a fundamental human right. As we observe the ongoing conflict’s impact on medical facilities, it is an opportunity for reflection and action. The global community has a responsibility to hold violators accountable and support those working tirelessly to provide essential healthcare in the face of adversity. It is an imperative to prioritize the wellbeing of individuals and ensure that healthcare facilities serve as safe havens rather than targets in conflict.
