UK condemns deteriorating healthcare in Gaza

UK's Ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward called it 'completely unacceptable' noting that over 1,000 medical personnel have been killed, injured, or detained since 7 October.

Representational Image | People inspect area of Al-Ahli Arabi Baptist Hospital in Gaza where hundreds were killed in a blast in October 2023 | Reuters/Mohammed Al-Masri

New Delhi: The United Kingdom Friday condemned the deteriorating health care situation in Gaza, calling it “completely unacceptable.” In a statement delivered to the UN Security Council, the UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that since 7 October many medical facilities have been destroyed or damaged, and over 1,000 medical personnel have been killed, injured, or detained.

“We are all horrified by the deterioration of the healthcare situation in Gaza,” Woodward said at the meeting. “And, as Dr. Hassan has reminded us, their SOS calls have been ignored.”

Woodward said that following the forcible evacuation of Kamal Adwan hospital, no hospitals remain operational in North Gaza Governorate. The lack of access to medical services across Gaza is exacerbating acute child malnutrition, increasing the risk of famine, and contributing to the spread of infectious diseases.

The UK called for the protection of civilians and medical staff in line with international humanitarian law. Woodward emphasized that Israel must ensure civilians have access to essential medical care and enable medical practitioners to operate safely. The UK continues to urge Israel to fulfill its international obligations, including those outlined in Security Council resolution 2286. The UK has also called on Israel to disclose the locations of medical personnel detained from hospitals in the north.

The UK is aware of reports alleging that Hamas has used civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, for its operations and unequivocally condemns such actions, the statement read. Woodward said that by operating within civilian infrastructure, Hamas has put Palestinian civilians and medical staff at risk.  However, the UK reiterates that the obligation to protect hospitals and healthcare workers under international humanitarian law is unconditional.