Gaza /PNN /
In a heart-wrenching plea, the Medical Association in Jerusalem Center, alongside medical professionals, humanitarian groups, and governments worldwide, urgently calls for intervention to rescue Gaza's collapsing healthcare system.
Gaza, home to 2.2 million innocent civilians, over half of whom are children, is caught in a severe humanitarian crisis. These vulnerable individuals are deprived of the most basic human necessities, including food, clean water, shelter, and, most crucially, access to healthcare.
This unfolding healthcare catastrophe coincides with the aftermath of one of the most devastating Israeli military offensives to impact the region. Gaza's population, which has endured a crippling siege since 2005 and withstood four previous Israeli military assaults in 2008, 2012, 2014, and the ongoing crisis in 2021, now finds itself grappling with the consequences. The previous wars resulted in the loss of over 5,000 lives. Sadly, the current conflict, now in its 18th day, has claimed the lives of 4,137 individuals, including a staggering 1,661 children.
The already overwhelmed healthcare system is now directly under attack, with Israeli airstrikes targeting hospitals and healthcare facilities. Shockingly, seven such vital institutions have been either partially or entirely destroyed. Those still functioning teeter on the brink of collapse due to severe shortages of essential supplies, fuel, clean water, and critical medications.
Tragically, even medical personnel and ambulances are not spared, with Israeli military actions targeting these lifesaving assets. We mourn the loss of eight doctors and 44 paramedics who courageously tended to the injured. Heartbreakingly, many healthcare workers have received the devastating news of their own family members' deaths while on duty, some having the grim task of treating their loved ones.
We must address reports of alleged massacres involving Israeli settlers, including claims of unspeakable atrocities such as mutilations and rapes in front of their families on October 7th, 2023. It is essential to note that no credible evidence supports these allegations, prompting prominent organizations like the BBC and the White House to retract their statements.
Contrastingly, the horrifying attack on Gaza's Baptist Hospital on the same date resulted in the loss of 500 lives, the majority of them children. Unfortunately, the Israeli army's official spokesperson is the sole source denying responsibility for this tragic incident, despite third-party reports confirming Israeli planes' involvement in the bombing. Just two days later, Israeli warplanes targeted the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrius Church, one of the world's oldest churches, where around 200 women, children, and wounded individuals sought refuge, believing they were safe.
While we acknowledge differing opinions regarding the statement that "Israel has the right to defend itself," no moral framework can justify or grant permission to deliberately target civilians, children, hospitals, and places of worship. We earnestly implore all relevant parties to leverage their influence and authority to halt these distressing atrocities against Gaza's people.
