Since the outbreak of war on Gaza on 7 October 2023, the healthcare system has faced relentless attacks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1,043 health facilities across Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem have been targeted and hit, leaving many inoperable. The toll on healthcare workers has been staggering, with more than 885 medical personnel—including nurses, paramedics, and doctors—killed, and countless others injured. These repeated assaults on the healthcare system highlight a growing tactic in modern conflicts: the weaponization of healthcare, where medical services and personnel are deliberately targeted to deepen humanitarian crises. In particular, the weaponization of healthcare refers to the deliberate targeting of medical professionals, facilities, and systems during armed conflicts. This practice is considered a violation of international humanitarian laws, such as the Geneva Conventions, which mandate the protection of healthcare workers and facilities as neutral entities in war zones. Specifically, Article 18 of the Fourth Geneva Convention ensures the protection of hospitals and their personnel, while Additional Protocol I prohibits attacks on medical units, transports, and individuals designated for medical purposes. Violating these principles undermines the provision of essential medical care; it…
The Weaponization of Healthcare: How Dr. Adnan Al-Bursh’s Death Exposes a System Under Siege
November 25, 2024
