Israeli Airstrike Hits Children’s Hospital: Experts Urge Protection for Health Facilities as Non-Military Targets

TEHRAN – The recent Israeli airstrike on Hakim Children’s Hospital has sparked outrage. Many experts see this as a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law (IHL).

The attack has raised serious concerns about the targeting of medical facilities during conflicts. Professor Hossein Qanati, an interventional radiology pioneer in Iran, criticized Israel harshly in an interview. He stated, “This attack reflects Israel’s true nature. Since its creation, it has ignored human values and international law. Striking a hospital that treats children is not just a tactical decision; it’s an attack on humanity itself.”

International humanitarian law clearly states that medical facilities, including hospitals, should be protected and are off-limits during warfare. This shield extends to the wounded, sick, and medical personnel. Attacking these sites is allowed only under specific conditions, and even then, it requires proven misuse and a prior warning. No such justification has been presented in this instance.

Qanati pointed out Israel’s troubling history of hitting civilian sites in Gaza and Lebanon. “They do not differentiate when targeting,” he remarked. “Schools, homes, now hospitals—it’s part of an ongoing pattern.”

He also criticized global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) for their lack of decisive action. “The WHO should safeguard health worldwide, but it often succumbs to political pressures,” he charged. His frustration mirrors sentiments during past conflicts in Gaza, where international responses to civilian deaths have often felt weak.

This silence, he argued, amounts to complicity in the face of conflict-related atrocities. He urged Iran’s youth to remember the importance of national strength—scientific, economic, and military. “This attack reminds us that true safety comes from power, not just negotiation. Dialogue is vital, but it must stem from a place of strength.”

Recent statistics support his concerns. A report from the United Nations shows that attacks on medical facilities have risen dramatically during conflicts worldwide. In 2021 alone, nearly 300 assaults were recorded, a stark increase from previous years.

Public reaction on social media has been swift, with many expressing disbelief and anger at the airstrike. Hashtags like #Protect Hospitals have trended, highlighting widespread calls for accountability.

This attack reinforces the pressing need for global commitment to protect medical facilities during war, emphasizing that innocent lives should never be collateral damage. The ongoing dialogue surrounding this issue is crucial as communities seek to ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable.



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