Israel's war on Gaza's healthcare workers

Since October 2023, Gaza's healthcare system has been under relentless attack, with medical workers becoming primary targets. Historically protected in conflict zones, healthcare workers are now at risk in Gaza, facing violence, intimidation and detention by Israeli forces. Hospitals are barely functioning, with critical resources and specialists in short supply. Many ambulances have been struck and destroyed and humanitarian physicians trying to enter Gaza have faced harassment and restriction at the border, often fearing for their safety. The World Health Organisation has recorded over 600 attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza and the killing of more than 1,000 medical workers, with no accountability. In one case, the Israeli military raided Kamal Adwan Hospital, detaining staff and setting fire to the building. The ceasefire deal, which took effect on 19 January, has brought a trickle of humanitarian aid into Gaza, yet the health system in the besieged enclave remains in crisis and many healthcare workers remain in Israeli custody with their fates uncertain.