KUALA LUMPUR: Several international watchdog groups have called for urgent international action to end the ongoing attacks on hospitals in Gaza, stressing that attacks on medical facilities and civilians are a violation of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law and Conventions.
In a joint statement, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) said decisive international action is currently needed to secure an immediate ceasefire and prevent further loss of life.
They added that to preserve the remaining health care system in Gaza, the world could not afford to remain silent while hospitals, which should be safe havens, are transformed into scenes of death, devastation and despair.
This follows a report by WHO, which mentioned that at least 137 attacks on health care in Gaza, resulting in 521 deaths and 686 injuries, including 16 deaths and 38 injuries of health workers on duty over the past 36 days.
"We are horrified at the latest reports of attacks on and in the vicinity of Al-Shifa Hospital, Al-Rantissi Naser Paediatric Hospital, Al-Quds Hospital and others in Gaza City and northern Gaza, killing many, including children.
"Premature and newborn babies on life support are reportedly dying due to power, oxygen and water cuts at the Al-Shifa Hospital, while others are at risk. Staff at several hospitals are reporting a lack of fuel, water and basic medical supplies, putting the lives of all patients at immediate risk," it said.
The statement was issued by UNFPA Arab States Regional Director Laila Baker, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Adele Khodr and WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari.
They added that more than half of the hospitals in the Gaza Strip are closed, where hospitals that are still functioning are under massive strain and can only provide very limited emergency services, lifesaving surgery and intensive care services.
Following this, the right to seek medical assistance, especially in times of crisis, should never be denied, they said.
"Shortages of water, food, and fuel are also threatening the wellbeing of thousands of displaced people, including women and children, who are sheltering in hospitals and their surroundings.
"The world cannot stand silent while hospitals, which should be safe havens, are transformed into scenes of death, devastation, and despair.
"Decisive international action is needed now to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and prevent further loss of life and preserve what's left of the health care system in Gaza.
"Unimpeded, safe and sustained access is needed now to provide fuel, medical supplies and water for these lifesaving services. The violence must end now."