How Gaza’s hospitals became battlegrounds

 

How Gaza’s Hospitals Became Battlegrounds

Relentless bombardment, power outages, and shortages have severely affected nearly every hospital in the northern Gaza Strip, pushing them out of service. A CNN analysis has found evidence of repeated attacks on medical facilities, despite the presence of doctors, patients, and civilians inside.

Extent of Damage

Between October 7 and December 7, during the first two months of Israel's war against Hamas, at least 20 out of 22 hospitals in northern Gaza were damaged or destroyed. This assessment is based on 45 satellite images, around 400 videos from the ground, and interviews with doctors, eyewitnesses, and humanitarian organizations. Fourteen hospitals were directly hit, according to the evidence collected and verified by CNN and analyzed by experts.

Context of the Conflict

Israel launched its bombardment and ground invasion of the Gaza Strip following a Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in at least 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 240 hostages taken. In the subsequent two months, Israeli attacks led to at least 17,100 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. By the time of publishing, this number had risen to more than 23,400.

Israeli Claims and Hamas Denials

Israel asserts that Hamas operates inside and beneath hospitals, using them for military operations, including as command centers, weapons stores, and hiding hostages. The IDF has released footage purportedly showing Hamas activities in these medical facilities. However, the videos do not provide definitive proof, and Hamas has denied these claims.

Impact on Health System and Civilians

Tracking the aerial bombardment’s impact on northern Gaza’s hospitals highlights the devastating effect on the enclave’s health system. This has a significant knock-on impact on civilians who relied on these facilities for shelter and care. The destruction of hospitals exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation, leaving many without essential medical services when they are most needed.

Israel's Response

CNN sent a list of the hospitals identified as damaged or destroyed to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF responded by stating that they "did not conduct any targeted attacks against hospitals in the Gaza Strip," and reiterated that "Hamas systematically misuses hospitals and medical facilities."

Conclusion

The conflict has rendered northern Gaza's hospitals battlegrounds, severely impacting the region's healthcare infrastructure. The devastation has left civilians, who are in desperate need of medical services, with limited options for care amidst ongoing hostilities.