UN and WHO criticize Israeli raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza

Israel’s recent raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza has drawn criticism from U.N. authorities and the World Health Organization, after Israeli forces detained over 200 people, including the hospital’s director. Israel claims the raid was prompted by “irrefutable evidence” of militant activity, while critics say such justification remains unsubstantiated.

Why it matters

Hospitals and healthcare workers operate under protected status in conflict zones. Allegations that medical facilities are being used for military purposes—and counter-claims that Israel is violating international law—have brought heightened scrutiny to the conduct of all parties involved in the Gaza conflict.

Details

• Israel’s position:
  • Israeli Ambassador Daniel Meron said the raid was triggered by intelligence showing Hamas members were hiding inside the hospital.
  • Israel’s deputy U.N. ambassador asserted that 240 “terrorists” were apprehended and that the hospital’s director, Hussam Abu Safiya, was detained for alleged ties to Hamas.
• International response:
  • U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk called the Israeli justification “vague and broad” and urged independent investigations into all attacks on medical facilities.
  • The WHO expressed deep concern for Abu Safiya’s detention, calling for his immediate release.
  • U.S. officials said they are gathering information about the director’s status.
• Civilian impact:
  • Medical personnel in Gaza continue to face severe risk, exemplified by the death of a Médecins Sans Frontières doctor who left behind a whiteboard note reading, “We did what we could. Remember us.”

Zoom in

Israel has faced repeated accusations of targeting healthcare infrastructure, while Israel contends that militants are using civilian sites as cover. The detention of hospital staff, including a director, raises questions about how to confirm or refute such allegations without further endangering patients or staff.

Zoom out

The hospital raid forms part of the larger humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where conflicts have displaced much of the population and prompted investigations into potential war crimes. Calls for international oversight and independent fact-finding have grown amid ongoing hostilities and a high civilian toll.