New York, USA – The United Nations called on Israel to immediately release all medical personnel it said were being arbitrarily detained in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the continued detention of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and undermines the health sector’s ability to provide essential services to civilians.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights explained that the detention of medical personnel is a matter of grave concern, especially given the collapse of the health system in the Gaza Strip as a result of ongoing military operations, and emphasized the need to respect international humanitarian law, which guarantees the protection of medical personnel during armed conflicts.
The United Nations has confirmed that health facilities in Gaza are facing unprecedented pressure due to shortages of staff and medical supplies, making the release of detained healthcare workers crucial to ensuring the continued provision of medical care to the wounded and sick.
The international organization reiterated its call for the protection of hospitals, ambulances, and healthcare workers, and for them to be allowed to carry out their humanitarian duties without hindrance. It called on all parties to abide by international law and provide the necessary protection for civilians and medical facilities.
This appeal comes amidst ongoing international warnings about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, and growing calls for a cessation of hostilities, the facilitation of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the population, and action to protect civilians and humanitarian and healthcare workers.
