The UN on Thursday condemned the targeting of hospitals in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that medical facilities must remain “off limits.”
In response to Anadolu’s inquiry about Israel detaining the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital and the ongoing social media campaign for his release, UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said the Security Council is set to meet Friday, where UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk will provide a briefing.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety of hospital personnel and reiterate that hospitals must be off limits,” Haq stated, echoing the World Health Organization’s call for urgent medical evacuations from hospitals, including Kamal Adwan.
Highlighting the dire situation, Haq noted that over 12,000 people in Gaza urgently require medical evacuation. “We continue to urge all parties to ensure hospitals remain safe zones—this includes refraining from placing or infiltrating hospitals as well as refraining from attacking them,” he said. He stressed the need to protect the lives of the sick and injured seeking care in these facilities.
Citing a report from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Haq mentioned that Israel’s evacuation orders affect more than 80% of Gaza. He also pointed out that humanitarian aid organizations are facing escalating restrictions, with December marking a peak in limitations on aid delivery.
“Nearly 39% of UN attempts to move aid workers within Gaza were denied by Israeli authorities, while another 18% were disrupted,” Haq said. He added that since October 6, 2024, Israel has blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into northern Gaza.
When asked about the Palestinian decision to halt Al Jazeera’s broadcasts and temporarily suspend its operations until compliance with Palestinian regulations, Haq emphasized the importance of media freedom. “All media outlets, including Al Jazeera, must be allowed to operate without obstruction,” he urged, calling for the removal of barriers impeding journalists’ work.
