Jordan Ellis
Israel has been accused of bombing hospitals in the past, with the country's military forces allegedly launching unlawful attacks on hospitals in Gaza. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other humanitarian groups have reported attacks on hospitals and ambulances, which are protected under international humanitarian law. Israel has also been accused of blocking essential supplies, such as water, food, and medicine, to hospitals in Gaza, causing severe shortages and impeding healthcare access. These actions have raised serious concerns about Israel's compliance with international law and respect for humanitarian principles. While Israel has claimed that hospitals were being improperly used for military purposes by Palestinian armed groups, insufficient evidence has been provided to substantiate these allegations. The protection of hospitals during warfare is paramount, and warring parties must take constant care to minimize harm to civilians.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of most recent bombing | 29 May 2025 |
| Hospitals bombed | Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, Al-Shifa Hospital, Al-Amal Hospital, Al-Awda Hospital, Jordan Field Hospital, Gaza European Hospital |
| Number of people killed | 60+ (29 May 2025), 11,000+ (since 7 October 2023) |
| Number of children killed | 9 (29 May 2025), 4,500+ (since 7 October 2023) |
| Number of people injured | 35 (10 January 2025) |
| Number of people displaced | 1.5 million |
| Number of hospitals out of service | All but one of the hospitals in Gaza City and northern Gaza (as of 13 November 2023) |
| Number of primary healthcare centres functioning | 61 out of 158 |
| Number of UN Palestinian refugee agency health centres functioning | 9 out of 27 |
| Humanitarian aid allowed | Limited |
| Food shortages | Yes |
| Water shortages | Yes |
| Medicine shortages | Yes |
| Electricity shortages | Yes |
| Siege status | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Israel's alleged use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas
Israel has been accused of using explosive weapons in densely populated areas, including refugee camps and residential neighbourhoods. These attacks have resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, including women and children, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.
In one notable incident, on 13 March 2025, Israel bombed the Gaza European Hospital, killing Hamas leader Muhammed Sinwar and his companions. This incident occurred during a week-long ground incursion into Nasser Hospital, the largest in southern Gaza, which left thousands of Palestinians bereft of essential medical care.
Israel has also been accused of systematically destroying reproductive healthcare facilities in Gaza while imposing a siege that prevents necessary medications and treatments, causing irreversible harm to the reproductive prospects of Palestinians.
During the Gaza war, hospitals faced existential threats due to a lack of supplies and staff evacuations. The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly condemned Israel's repeated orders to evacuate al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, endangering the lives of the sick and wounded.
Israel's use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas has been described as a violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime. Amnesty International has documented unlawful airstrikes and inadequate evacuation warnings by Israel, resulting in civilian deaths.
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The killing of patients, staff, and civilians
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has seen numerous attacks on hospitals in Gaza, resulting in the killing of patients, staff, and civilians. Hospitals in Gaza have faced severe threats due to a lack of supplies and Israeli bombardment, with the Jordanian Air Force providing emergency medical aid on one occasion. The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned Israel's repeated orders to evacuate hospitals, deeming them a death sentence for patients.
The WHO reported that at least 521 people, including 16 medical workers, were killed in 137 "attacks on health care" in Gaza. These attacks have severely impeded healthcare access, with hospitals running out of medicine and basic equipment. Doctors reported performing surgeries without anesthesia and using vinegar as an antiseptic. The Israeli military's blockade of Gaza has prevented civilians' access to essential items like water, food, and medicine, amounting to collective punishment and a war crime.
During the conflict, the last functioning hospital in the North Gaza governorate, al-Awda Hospital, was evacuated after the Israeli military ordered its immediate evacuation. This left the entire region without a functioning health facility. The hospital had been under military besiegement multiple times and was struck on numerous occasions, with the emergency room being hit and staff injured.
In another incident, the Palestine Red Crescent reported that Israeli tanks attacked Al-Amal Hospital, forcing its evacuation. They stated that the hospital remained with nine patients, a family with disabled children, and a displaced person who was killed by a gunshot to the head. The Red Crescent coordinated with other humanitarian organizations to evacuate 27 medical staff and six patients.
Israel has also been accused of systematically destroying reproductive healthcare facilities in Gaza while imposing a siege that prevents necessary medications for deliveries, pregnancies, and neonatal care. This has caused irreversible harm to the reproductive prospects of Palestinians in the region.
These attacks on hospitals in Gaza have resulted in the killing of patients, staff, and civilians, with insufficient regard for international humanitarian law and human rights law.
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The destruction of Gaza's healthcare system
Even before the conflict, the Gaza healthcare system was already struggling due to underfunding and a blockade that prevented essential medical supplies and personnel from entering the region. The blockade was justified by Israel as a means to prevent materials for bomb-making from entering Gaza. However, this blockade had severe consequences for the healthcare system, with 25% of "essential" drugs out of stock at the start of the conflict.
During the conflict, Israeli attacks on hospitals and health facilities, the killing of healthcare workers, and the blockade of medical supplies further devastated Gaza's healthcare system. The Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest in Gaza, was destroyed following an Israeli siege. Other hospitals, such as Al-Amal Hospital, Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, and Nasser Hospital, were also targeted by Israeli airstrikes and tank shells, resulting in damage, destruction, and casualties. The Red Cross stated that Gaza's entire health system was "on its knees," with thousands of lives at risk due to the lack of medical attention.
The destruction of healthcare facilities and the targeting of reproductive healthcare specifically have been described as genocidal acts by a United Nations investigation. The systematic destruction of reproductive healthcare facilities and the prevention of necessary medications have caused irreversible harm to the reproductive prospects of Palestinians in Gaza.
The collapse of Gaza's healthcare system has led to a broader humanitarian crisis, with a lack of food, water, sanitation, and shelter for the population. The World Health Organization and other humanitarian groups have called for an end to the systematic dismantling of healthcare in Gaza and for additional land crossings to be opened to allow safer and more direct access to the region.
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The Israeli blockade of Gaza
The blockade has had significant humanitarian and economic impacts on the people of Gaza. One of the most devastating consequences has been the disruption of essential goods and services, including food, water, electricity, and medical care. The restrictions on the import and export of goods have led to shortages of critical supplies, contributing to high unemployment rates and difficulties in meeting basic needs such as education and healthcare. For example, in 2022, Israel approved only 64% of patients' requests to exit Gaza for specialized medical treatment outside the territory.
The blockade also affects the movement of people in and out of Gaza. There are only three crossings in and out of Gaza, two controlled by Israel and one by Egypt. Israel heavily regulates the passage of Palestinians through these crossings, allowing only a limited number of laborers and those with authorized medical or humanitarian reasons to pass. This has effectively isolated the Gaza Strip from the rest of the world, impacting families, education, and economic opportunities.
Israel has been accused of using the blockade to collectively punish the Palestinian population in contravention of international law. Human rights groups, international community representatives, and legal professionals have criticized the blockade, arguing that it violates Israel's obligations under various ceasefire agreements to alleviate or lift the restrictions. Despite these criticisms and calls for Israel to uphold its commitments, the blockade of Gaza has persisted with varying levels of intensity since its imposition in 2007.
The situation in Gaza has been further exacerbated by periodic escalations of violence between Israel and Hamas, during which Israel has conducted military offensives and imposed additional restrictions on humanitarian aid and commercial supplies. These periods of heightened conflict have resulted in the destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals and healthcare facilities, and have had devastating consequences for the already vulnerable population in Gaza.
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The use of hospitals for military purposes
In the specific case of Israel and Gaza, there have been multiple reports and investigations detailing Israel's attacks on hospitals and healthcare infrastructure in Gaza. These attacks have resulted in the destruction of medical facilities, disruption of essential medical services, and loss of life among patients, medical staff, and civilians. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other humanitarian organizations have strongly condemned Israel's actions, stating that they violate the protected status of medical personnel and facilities under international humanitarian law.
Israel has defended its actions by alleging that Palestinian armed groups, such as Hamas, have been improperly using hospitals and healthcare facilities for military purposes. Israel claims that Hamas has utilized hospitals as bases, stored weapons, and used tunnels and bunkers within hospital premises. However, these allegations have been deemed insufficiently substantiated and contradicted by other information.
The impact of these attacks extends beyond the physical structures, affecting the broader healthcare system and the vulnerable population it serves. Hospitals in Gaza have faced severe shortages of medical supplies, electricity, and water due to Israel's blockade and targeting of humanitarian aid. This has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with increased risks of preventable maternal and child mortality, epidemics, and a scarcity of nourishment and safe drinking water.
It is important to note that even if hospitals are unlawfully used for military purposes, the attacking force must follow specific protocols. They must issue a warning, set a reasonable time limit, and only take lawful action if the misuse continues. The protection of hospitals and medical personnel during warfare is paramount, and all warring parties must take constant care to minimize harm to civilians.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. Israel has bombed hospitals in Gaza in the past.
Al-Amal Hospital, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, Al-Awda Hospital, Al-Shifa Hospital, and the Jordan Field Hospital.
The consequences of Israel's bombing of hospitals include the destruction of the healthcare system in Gaza, the killing of patients, staff, and civilians, and a severe shortage of medical supplies and equipment.
The United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, and Human Rights Watch have all expressed concern, condemnation, or criticism of Israel's bombing of hospitals, stating that it violates international law and humanitarian principles.
Israel has claimed that hospitals were being improperly used for military purposes by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. However, these allegations have not been substantiated and Israel's actions have been deemed unlawful and in violation of international humanitarian law.
