GAZA CITY / PNN /
Israeli occupation forces “IOF” demolished the Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital in central Gaza on March 20, 2025, further dismantling the enclave’s healthcare infrastructure amid the ongoing war. The hospital, the only facility in Gaza dedicated to cancer treatment, was reduced to rubble in a controlled detonation, a video circulating online shows. The footage captures the explosion, followed by the sound of a soldier cheering.
The hospital had previously been used as a military base by Israeli forces during their occupation of the so-called “Netzarim Corridor,” despite its protected status under international humanitarian law. Rights group Al-Haq condemned the attack as part of what it described as Israel’s systematic pattern of genocide against Palestinians, including the deliberate destruction of Gaza’s medical system.
“For 17 months, Israel has systematically dismantled Gaza’s healthcare system, rendering the territory unlivable and depriving cancer patients of life-saving treatment,” Al-Haq said in a statement. The destruction of the hospital, it added, is part of a broader Israeli campaign to make Gaza uninhabitable.
The UN Commission of Inquiry has previously stated that Israel is pursuing a “concerted policy to destroy Gaza’s healthcare system.” Al-Haq and other human rights organizations have documented a series of attacks targeting hospitals, medical centers, and humanitarian convoys, as well as restrictions on medical supplies entering Gaza. They argue these actions constitute violations of international law and demonstrate genocidal intent.
Global Outcry and Calls for Action
Al-Haq has called on the international community to take immediate steps to halt what it describes as Israel’s “systematic targeting” of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. The organization urged world leaders to impose a ceasefire and take concrete measures to prevent further destruction.
It also called on states to impose a two-way arms embargo on Israel, accusing countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and France of complicity by continuing to supply weapons amid documented war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Additionally, the rights group urged governments to continue funding UNRWA, the main humanitarian agency providing aid in Gaza, despite Israeli attempts to undermine its operations.
The rights group Demand the release of detained healthcare workers and Palestinians arbitrarily arrested and facilitate the evacuation of patients requiring urgent medical treatment abroad.
Al-Haq calls for opening unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and remove Israel’s restrictive “dual-use” policy that blocks essential supplies.
Al-Haq also support International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations into Israeli leaders and push for additional charges related to the systematic destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system and call to impose diplomatic, economic, and political sanctions on Israel, including suspending trade agreements and cutting military ties.
Al-Haq further called for Israel’s diplomatic isolation at the United Nations, including the potential suspension of its General Assembly membership under the Uniting for Peace resolution.
The Israeli government has not commented on the hospital’s destruction but has previously defended its military operations in Gaza as necessary for national security. The latest attack, however, is expected to heighten international scrutiny as human rights organizations continue to push for accountability in international courts.
