Israel rightly condemned Iran's strike on one of its hospitals, but what about the ones it struck in Gaza?
On Thursday morning, Israel 's Soroka Hospital in Beersheba was hit by Iranian missiles, sustaining 'extensive damage'.
Israeli officials understandably condemned the attack. But they appeared to be shocked – as if they had not seen a hospital being struck in the past two years when, in fact, Israel had struck all of Gaza's hospitals, sustaining complete or partial damage.
The healthcare system in the Palestinian enclave is collapsing, with more deaths and injuries mounting every day. As things stand, at least 55,700 people have been killed and 130,100 wounded since October 7, 2023.
Israel's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sharren Haskel, called for 'the world to speak out' about Iran's attack. 'Deliberate. Criminal. Civilian target,' she said.
She is right. It was, after all, a civilian target.
But Israel did not hold itself to the same standard when it struck Al Shifa hospital in April last year, Al Ahli Arab hospital in April this year, the European hospital in May and Al Nasser hospital in February 2024, to name a few examples. On every occasion, it claimed to have evidence that the facilities were being used by Hamas or other armed groups in Gaza.
So, what would happen if Iran did the same – claiming that the Soroka hospital was housing people who posed a threat to it? Would that be considered enough to justify its attack? Would the West suddenly support Iran's 'right to defend itself', regardless of how it does it?
All hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law and should never be attacked. The wounded and the sick inside the facilities, as well as their medical staff, employees and ambulances all fall under protected status.
From Sudan to Palestine and Israel – everybody should be held to the same standard under IHL and be guided by the collective global moral compass that bans harm to civilians, keeps hospitals out of harm's way and restricts war to within the confines of international law.
Unfortunately, however, that is not how Israel has taught the world it could be done.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Middle East Eye
an hour ago
- Middle East Eye
Ali Shamkhani: Iranian negotiator thought killed by Israel is alive, says state media
A senior Iranian negotiator who was suspected killed in an Israeli air strike in Tehran last week is alive, according to state media. Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Iran's supreme leader and representative at talks with the United States, was thought among the senior Iranian officials reportedly killed by Israeli attacks in the early hours of 13 June. However, on Friday, state media in Iran carried a letter from Shamkhani addressed to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in which he stated he was, in fact, alive. "I am alive and ready to sacrifice myself," read the letter, which was reported by several Iranian outlets, including state-owned broadcaster IRIB and Tasnim, which is linked to the Revolutionary Guard. "Victory is near. The name of Iran will be immortalised in the highest history as usual," the purported letter said. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters A range of Israeli and Iranian outlets initially reported that Shamkhani had been killed in a blast that struck his home. Samira - not her real name - a Tehran resident who lives directly opposite Shamkhani's residence, told Middle East Eye earlier this week it was a "miracle" she had survived the blast herself. "We got up from the ground in fear and realised the apartment across from ours had been bombed," she said. "Both my husband and I were thrown from our bed. The explosions didn't stop. We had no idea what was happening." Khamenei assassination could draw Hezbollah into Israel-Iran hostilities, say sources Read More » Several Iranian media outlets, including IRNA, Tasnim and Fars, said on Friday that Shamkhani had been "severely injured and taken to hospital" after the blast and is now "in stable condition". No new photos have been released of the advisor, however. Shamkhani had been leading Iran's talks with the US over limitations to the country's nuclear programme when Israel launched a surprise assault that has killed hundreds. A range of senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists have been slain over the past week, while Israel has struck much of the country's nuclear infrastructure. On Friday, thousands of people demonstrated against Israel in Tehran, chanting slogans in support of their leaders, according to images broadcast by state television. "This is the Friday of solidarity and resistance of the Iranian nation throughout the country," said a news anchor. Demonstrators reportedly held portraits of commanders killed since the start of the war with Israel, while others waved Iranian and Hezbollah flags. According to the state broadcaster, other demonstrations took place in cities across the country, including Tabriz in northwest Iran, and Shiraz in the south.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
UK announces charter flights from Tel Aviv for British nationals fleeing Israel
The UK is working to charter flights to evacuate British nationals from Israel, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Friday, days after other major European countries began their own evacuations. Thousands of foreign nationals have been fleeing Israel and Iran across borders into neighbouring countries, after the escalating conflict led to the closure of airspaces in both countries. The UK government told its nationals requiring evacuation from Israel to register at the British embassy. But many have already travelled to the Jordanian and Egyptian borders. Mr Lammy said the UK government would provide flights directly out of Tel Aviv once the airspace opened. The city's airport has been closed since the strikes began last week. 'As part of our efforts to support British nationals in the Middle East, the government is working with the Israeli authorities to provide charter flights from Tel Aviv airport when airspace reopens, based on levels of demand from British nationals,' he said. 'British nationals should register their presence in Israel and the [occupied Palestinian territories] to be contacted with further guidance on these flights.' Mr Lammy added: 'Land routes out of Israel remain open and UK staff are on hand to support British nationals who have crossed the border. This will include providing, transport – subject to demand – to nearby airports for onward commercial flights.' Frustration with the UK grew when the United States announced its plans to evacuate citizens on charter flights and cruise ships on Wednesday. Australia evacuated 1,200 people from Israel on Wednesday, its foreign minister Penny Wong said. Around 2,000 Australians in Iran had registered for assistance. France was providing buses for its nationals in Israel from the Jordanian border to a flight chartered from Amman, and a convoy will take people from Iran to the Turkish or Armenian borders by the end of the week. Germany provided a charter flight from Amman for 345 citizens on Wednesday.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE evacuates citizens, residents from Iran amid conflict
The UAE has evacuated a number of its citizens and residents who were present in Iran, in coordination with the relevant authorities. As part of its ongoing commitment to the safety of its citizens and residents, and its swift response to emergencies, the UAE successfully carried out the evacuation operations with the facilitation and coordination of the Iranian side to ensure their safe return home.
