A recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has revealed that Palestinian healthcare workers in Gaza have been rounded up, sent to detention centers in Israel, and subjected to severe mistreatment and torture. The report details allegations of torture, threats of rape, denial of medical care, and poor detention conditions faced by doctors, nurses, and paramedics since the start of the war in October.
The mistreatment of healthcare workers by the Israeli government has led to the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system, resulting in the death of over 40,000 Palestinians. HRW has called for a thorough investigation and punishment, including by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
One paramedic, Walid Khalili, shared his experience of being blindfolded, chained, and hung from the ceiling in an Israeli detention facility. Another detained paramedic reported witnessing a man bleeding from his bottom, claiming that he had been raped by Israeli soldiers with an assault rifle.
Reports by other UN agencies and rights groups have documented similar cases of torture and abuse of Palestinians in Israeli detention. Since October, at least 310 Palestinian healthcare workers have been detained by Israeli forces, leading to a worsening health crisis in Gaza.
Despite destroyed facilities, lack of supplies, and ongoing attacks, medical workers in Gaza continue to risk their lives to provide healthcare to those injured by Israeli air strikes. The mistreatment of healthcare workers is a stark violation of human rights and must be addressed immediately to prevent further suffering in the region.
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