UN says profoundly concerned over Israeli military raid into Nasser Hospital
Geneva (Quds News Network) – The UN Human Rights Office has expressed profound concern over recent reports of Israeli occupation forces raiding the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. This incident occurred less than a week after forces raided Al Amal Hospital in the same city.
The raid follows a prolonged siege that has severely disrupted medical, food, and fuel supplies to the Nasser Medical Complex. Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, stated, “We are deeply worried by the reports that Israeli forces have raided the Nasser Medical Complex in the south of the occupied Gaza Strip, less than a week after they raided Al Amal Hospital in western Khan Yunis.”
During the raid, Israeli occupation forces instructed the transfer of all patients, including those in intensive care and nursery units, to a different building. Shamdasani emphasized that this move exposes patients to significant risks, including potential harm to the most vulnerable. Unconfirmed reports suggest detentions and targeting of individuals attempting to leave the hospital.
The UN Human Rights Office has documented similar raids in various regions of Gaza, leading to severe consequences for the safety of patients, medical staff, and civilians taking shelter in these facilities.
“With nearly 70,000 people reportedly injured during this conflict, and a nearly collapsed health system due to attacks on facilities and restrictions on essential humanitarian supplies, the impact on civilians is appalling,” Shamdasani added.
She continued, “International humanitarian law protects medical facilities as crucial infrastructure. They are entitled to special protection and should not be the target of attacks or used for acts harmful to the enemy. As the occupying power, Israel has the duty to ensure and maintain medical facilities and services throughout the occupied territory, including the Gaza Strip.”
