A Reminder that Targeting a Hospital is a War Crime

Elise Baker is a senior staff lawyer at the Atlantic Council Strategic Litigation Project, leading efforts on accountability and support for victims of human rights violations in Syria. She previously documented the Assad regime’s systematic attacks on healthcare in Syria with Physicians for Human Rights. Britt Gronemeyer is an assistant director at the same project, supporting accountability for abuses in Iran, Syria, Ukraine, and other countries.

The world is rightly focused on the ceasefire taking hold across Gaza, which provides urgent, life-saving relief to over two million civilians. While mediators, politicians, and humanitarian workers prioritize securing a lasting ceasefire and facilitating emergency aid, lawyers and human rights activists must intensify accountability efforts.

Israeli military operations in Gaza over the past two years have repeatedly violated international law, with near-daily reports of war crimes and crimes against humanity, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths.

Strikes on Medical Facilities in Gaza

One of the gravest violations is the hundreds of strikes on medical facilities in Gaza. These attacks severely undermine humanitarian protections and contravene international legal norms.

“Israeli military action in Gaza over the past two years has obliterated international law, with near-daily reports of war crimes and crimes against humanity, costing tens of thousands of lives.”

The Call for Accountability

Legal and human rights professionals emphasize that securing ceasefires alone is insufficient without robust mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable for these violations. Strengthening accountability supports justice and deters further crimes.

Efforts at documenting abuses and enforcing international law remain critical to protecting civilians and upholding human rights during armed conflicts.

Summary

The targeting of hospitals and medical facilities in Gaza represents a severe breach of international law, demanding increased accountability alongside humanitarian relief efforts.

Would you prefer a more formal or conversational tone for this text?

Opinio Juris — 2025-11-05