To cripple Gaza, Israel destroys its hospitals
Los Altos, Calif.: I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent destruction of Gaza’s hospitals, particularly Al-Shifa Hospital, and the devastating impact this has had on the health sector in Gaza. The withdrawal of Israeli forces after a two-week raid left the medical complex in ruins, with a significant loss of life. Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sittah, a British-Palestinian reconstructive surgeon who worked tirelessly at Al-Shifa and Al-Ahli Baptist hospitals, highlights the dire situation on the ground. He emphasizes the critical role of Al-Shifa (photo) in Gaza’s health system, constituting 30% of its capacity. The wanton destruction of this hospital is part of Israel’s plan to render Gaza uninhabitable, ensuring it lacks a functioning health system. Abu-Sittah also condemns the complicity of Western journalists who perpetuated narratives that militarized hospitals, making them targets for Israeli attacks. The tragic killing of Dr. Ahmad Maqadmeh underscores the consequences of such narratives, as hospitals become casualties of war.
The destruction of Al-Shifa and other hospitals has resulted in a staggering loss of life. Children have borne the brunt of this violence, with thousands left with life-altering disabilities. Furthermore, the recent authorization of arms transfers to Israel by the Biden administration raises serious concerns about complicity in war crimes. Abu-Sittah’s election as rector of the University of Glasgow, on a platform advocating for divestment from the arms trade, highlights the urgent need for accountability and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
In light of the International Court of Justice’s interim ruling on genocide in Gaza, it is imperative that governments and institutions reassess their relationships with arms manufacturers and take concrete steps to prevent further complicity in human rights violations.
Jagjit Singh