United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet has urgently demanded a credible, independent investigation into the recent deadly attack on al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, which resulted in scores of civilian casualties, including patients and medical staff. The call comes amid mounting international concern over the conduct of hostilities in Gaza and the protection of non-combatants under international humanitarian law.
Early on Tuesday, an explosion struck the hospital compound in Gaza City, killing at least 100 people and injuring more than 200 others, according to local health authorities. Satellite imagery and eyewitness testimonies suggest the blast originated from the direction of nearby Israeli military positions, though Israel has attributed the explosion to a misfired rocket from Palestinian Islamic Jihad factions.
Bachelet emphasized that irrespective of the source, all parties to the conflict must uphold the fundamental principles of distinction and proportionality. “Civilians must be spared the horrors of war,” she stated, noting that any attack on a medical facility constitutes a serious breach of international law and may amount to a war crime. She urged UN member states to support the establishment of an impartial inquiry with a clear mandate to identify those responsible, collect and preserve evidence, and ensure accountability.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet later this week to discuss escalating civilian tolls and assess possible measures to enforce respect for international humanitarian norms. Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies warn that Gaza’s health infrastructure is on the brink of collapse, with hospitals struggling to treat mounting casualties amid severe shortages of medicines, fuel, and clean water.
Regional and international leaders have varied in their reactions to the hospital tragedy. The European Union called for an immediate ceasefire and unlimited humanitarian access to Gaza’s besieged population. The United States reiterated its longstanding policy that Israel has a right to defend itself but demanded a transparent probe into the incident. Egypt and Jordan have both condemned any attack on medical facilities and urged restraint to avert further civilian suffering.
As the conflict enters its third month, UN officials caution that without robust adherence to the rules of war and credible accountability mechanisms, civilian populations will continue to bear the heaviest burden of hostilities. The proposed independent investigation seeks not only to clarify the facts of the hospital bombing but also to reaffirm the principle that medical personnel and patients must always be shielded from direct attack.
