Several members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) have voiced grave concerns over reports of Israeli airstrikes targeting hospitals and medical facilities in Gaza, amid escalating violence in the region.
During an emergency session convened late Friday, representatives from multiple countries called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and emphasized the need to protect civilian infrastructure, particularly hospitals, which are safeguarded under international humanitarian law.
France’s UN Ambassador, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, stated, “The deliberate targeting of hospitals and healthcare workers constitutes a violation of the Geneva Conventions. We urge all parties to respect their obligations under international law.”
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a non-permanent member of the Council, echoed similar concerns. Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh described the attacks as “an affront to human dignity,” urging for “an independent investigation into these incidents and accountability for those responsible.”
Reports from Gaza suggest that several hospitals have been damaged or destroyed in recent days, severely hampering efforts to treat the wounded. The Palestinian Ministry of Health claims that dozens of patients, including children, have been killed as a result of the strikes.
Israel has defended its actions, citing the presence of alleged militant operations in or near medical facilities. Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, told the Council, “Hamas continues to use hospitals and schools as shields for their terrorist activities. Israel will take necessary measures to protect its citizens.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed alarm over the situation, reiterating the importance of adhering to humanitarian principles. “Hospitals must never be targeted. They are sanctuaries for the sick and wounded, not battlegrounds,” he said.
The United States, a key ally of Israel, maintained a cautious stance, calling for restraint from both sides. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the need for “balanced dialogue” to prevent further escalation.
The session concluded without a unified resolution, as divisions among Council members persisted. Russia and China called for a stronger condemnation of Israel, while the U.S. and the U.K. emphasized the need to address broader security concerns in the region.
Human rights organizations have called on the international community to intervene urgently, warning of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where medical supplies and electricity are already in critically short supply.
As the conflict intensifies, calls for accountability and immediate de-escalation continue to grow, with the UNSC under pressure to take decisive action.