US Calls for Compliance with International Humanitarian Law in Gaza Amidst Rising Tensions
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Loading... - Mirabella Borgia
- 01 Apr 2025
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In the wake of a tragic incident in Gaza where the Israeli military reportedly killed 15 individuals, including paramedics and a UN official, the United States has reiterated its expectation that "all parties on the ground" adhere to international humanitarian law. This statement comes as the situation in Gaza continues to escalate, with significant casualties reported since the resumption of hostilities.
On March 23, a series of strikes targeted ambulances, a fire truck, and a UN vehicle, leading to the deaths of medical personnel still in their uniforms. The UN's humanitarian agency has condemned the attacks, highlighting the violation of protections afforded to healthcare workers under international law. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized that the actions in Gaza are a direct consequence of Hamas's activities, yet the US has not confirmed whether it is conducting its own investigation into the killings.
The Israeli military defended its actions, stating that its troops fired upon vehicles that were "advancing suspiciously" without headlights or emergency signals. They claimed that among those killed were Hamas operatives, but did not address the reports of the bodies being collected and buried in a mass grave.
The UN's humanitarian agency in Gaza, led by Jonathan Whittall, expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as an "absolute horror." He underscored that healthcare workers should never be targeted, reinforcing the critical need for adherence to international humanitarian law, which explicitly prohibits attacks on civilians and mandates protections for medical personnel.
The US, as Israel's primary arms supplier, is also subject to its own legal obligations that prohibit the use of American weapons in violations of humanitarian law. This adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict and the international community's response.
The violence in Gaza has intensified since Israel resumed its air and ground campaign on March 18, following stalled negotiations for a ceasefire with Hamas. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 1,000 individuals have been killed in Gaza since the escalation began, with the total death toll exceeding 50,350 since the conflict reignited after the unprecedented cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community watches closely, urging all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to the principles of humanitarian law. The tragic loss of life, particularly among medical personnel, highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict and a commitment to safeguarding human rights in the region.
