The health sector is also in severe crisis in Gaza as more than 1,000 doctors and nurses are reported to have been killed by the attacks of Israel since last year. The reports from local authorities stated that the medical facilities were massively attacked, medical supplies were limited, and several healthcare workers were arrested.

Medical Community Under Attack

On Sunday, the Gaza government media office published a statement summarising the daily plight of the medical community in that area. The statement claimed that more than 1,000 health workers, including doctors and nurses, have been killed by Israeli strikes. Additionally, over 310 others are claimed to have been detained, tortured, and executed in prisons.

It also made references to the allegations that the Israeli army intentionally sought to undermine Gaza’s health care system. It claimed that medical supplies and health delegations were not allowed to enter the territory and that it severely impacted access to some necessary resources and specialist care. “The Israeli army also denied the entry of medical supplies, health delegations, and hundreds of surgeons into Gaza,” the statement read.

Attack on Hospitals and Medical Infrastructure

The local authorities further claimed that the Israeli army has targeted hospitals deliberately, leaving crippled what already is a crippled health system. The Gaza media office said, “Hospitals were attacked, bombed, and stormed, with death and injury as a result for most of the medical personnel.” “Hospitals have been declared targets for the Israeli army, bombing, besieging, and storming them and killing doctors and nurses, injuring others after they directly targeted them,” read the statement.

Read Also:Novo Nordisk Launches Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy in China Amid Rising Demand 

Last weekend, an airstrike hit Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza on Saturday. The hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, was among the casualties. The aerial attack hit both the hospital and the area surrounding it.

The Wider Implications of this Conflict and Accusations of Genocide

Hundreds of people have been killed in the current Israeli military operations in Gaza. Locally, health authorities record that over 44,200 people are dead, most of them women and children, and over 104,500 people are wounded. The situation has attracted international concerns as global figures and institutions continue to condemn the intensity of the attacks and a blockade on entry aid.

International observers have described the war as genocidal. Interdiction of aid consignments in an orchestrated manner, alongside sustained aerial bombardment, has provided enough scope for criticism of a choreographed attempt at the de-population of Gaza, including curbs making access to medical supplies to hospitals and clinics more challenging.

International Legal Implications

Into this deepening crisis, the International Criminal Court took a step on Thursday by issuing an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They have allegedly committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, the ICC claims.

To cap it, Israel is also being threatened with the possibility of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This means more international scrutiny of its actions in Gaza. Again, these point to more symptoms of a call for accountability on the world stage as the conflict enters its second year.

The situation in Gaza has been tense with the violence, and medical personnel and civilians continue to pay the brunt of the hostilities. Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly called for increased international intervention and focus on protecting healthcare facilities and workers during conflicts.