At Nordic Right, we are committed to advocating for and upholding human rights across the Nordic Region and beyond. It is with great concern that we address the recent developments in Gaza, where Israel has released images of weapons purportedly found inside Gaza’s largest hospital. Nordic Rights condemns any actions that potentially violate international humanitarian law, especially when it comes to the protection of hospitals and healthcare facilities.
The esteemed Human Rights Watch UN Director, Louis Charbonneau, emphasized, “Hospitals have special protections under international humanitarian law. Doctors, nurses, ambulances, and other hospital staff must be permitted to do their work, and patients must be protected.” Nordic Rights stands in solidarity with these principles, advocating for the safeguarding of medical institutions as vital sanctuaries in times of conflict.
In light of the recent incident, Human Rights Watch has expressed skepticism regarding the evidence presented by the Israeli government, asserting that the images released are insufficient to justify revoking the hospital’s status as protected by the laws of war. According to Louis Charbonneau, “Hospitals only lose those protections if it can be shown that harmful acts have been carried out from the premises. The Israeli government hasn’t provided any evidence of that.”
Nordic Rights echoes these concerns, emphasizing the necessity of a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the veracity of the claims made. We call on all parties involved to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, ensuring the safety and security of medical facilities and personnel.
As an organization dedicated to promoting and defending human rights, Nordic Rights will continue to monitor the situation closely and work towards fostering an environment where the rights and well-being of all individuals, especially those in conflict zones, are respected and protected.
