Ismail al-Thawabta, director general of the Government Media Office in Gaza has revealed in exclusive comments to the Canary that the humanitarian and medical situation in the Strip has reached ‘catastrophic’ levels. His assessment comes as Israeli military operations continue putting unprecedented pressure on health facilities.
Gaza: humanitarian conditions at ‘catastrophic’ levels
Al-Thawabta explained that hospitals are currently operating on backup equipment with scarce or no fuel. Meanwhile, a lack of basic medical supplies such as medicines, blood units, and surgical materials are rendering the healthcare system on the verge of collapse. He stressed that these conditions have led to an increasing inability to treat emergency cases and higher mortality rates among patients who were previously treatable.
He noted that malnutrition in some areas has reached ‘famine-like’ levels. It’s threatening the lives of thousands of civilians, especially children, older people, those who are pregnant, and the wounded. He accused the Israeli occupation of deliberately targeting health facilities and depriving them of fuel. Thawabta considers this:
a clear crime that violates international law and puts the lives of civilians at grave risk.
A flagrant violation of international law: ‘intentional killing’
Al-Thawabta added that targeting residential neighbourhoods and destroying homes and infrastructure constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. And, that would be to say nothing of the principles of distinction and proportionality in military operations. He considered that these practices translate in practice into “intentional killing” and amount to “crimes against humanity and serious crimes” that require urgent international condemnation and independent investigations. Crucially, he said that these must lead to the perpetrators being brought to justice before international courts.
The government official concluded his statement to the Canary with a warning about the long-term humanitarian repercussions that may extend beyond the genocide. These include the loss of shelter, collapse of vital infrastructure, and the creation of a social and economic tragedy that could last for generations. He emphasised that what is happening in Gaza constitutes a systematic policy aimed at paralysing vital services and forcing the population into displacement.
Feature image via TRT World/Youtube.
By Alaa Shamali
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