Israeli Violation of International Humanitarian Law: Indonesian Hospital in Gaza Bombing
The Indonesian hospital is run by Palestinian authorities with assistance from a small number of Indonesian volunteers. Currently, the hospital is treating several patients that exceed its capacity
The Indonesian Hospital in Gaza has become the unfortunate target of Israeli forces in recent strikes.
Located in northern Gaza, the hospital has been surrounded by Israeli tanks, and heavy fighting has ensued in the area. Israeli military officials claim that the hospital was being used by "terrorists" to launch attacks against them, justifying their decision to target the specific source of enemy fire. However, hospital staff vehemently deny the presence of any armed militants within the hospital premises.
This attack has garnered international condemnation, with the Indonesian Foreign Minister highlighting it as a clear violation of international humanitarian laws. Efforts are being made to evacuate civilians from the hospital, but the situation remains tense. Reports suggest that services in hospitals across northern Gaza have collapsed due to widespread airstrikes, the lack of fuel, and diminishing medical supplies.
Johan Chairil
The Israeli government alleges that the Indonesian Hospital was being used by Hamas for military purposes, including as a site for firing at Israeli forces. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim to have targeted the specific source of enemy fire, assuring that no shells were fired directly at the hospital itself. This explanation aligns with Israel's longstanding accusation that Hamas uses civilian sites, such as hospitals, to establish command posts and hide weapons. However, hospital staff strongly deny the presence of armed militants within the hospital premises.
Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that the purpose of the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza is to fully serve Palestinians for humanitarian reasons and meet their medical needs. The hospital is run by Palestinian authorities with assistance from a small number of Indonesian volunteers. Currently, the hospital is treating several patients that exceed its capacity. As the world's most populous Muslim country, Indonesia has called for an immediate ceasefire and has sent humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has publicly denounced the recent attacks in Gaza, including the Israeli attack on the Indonesian Hospital. During his working visit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Widodo condemned the attacks, stating that they violate international humanitarian law.