Israel temporarily stopped services at the last functioning hospital in Gaza earlier this week after a military raid in which several staff members were detained. The action, which is likely Israel's latest contravention of the laws of war - if not an outright war crime - reflects not only the country's total disregard for human rights, but also the duplicity of Israel's allies, especially the US and several EU states.
International humanitarian law is clear that civilians and medical facilities must be protected during armed conflicts. In fact, the Geneva Conventions explicitly state that hospitals should not be targeted, recognising their vital role in providing care to those in need, regardless of their affiliations. Unfortunately, aside from a few expressions of disappointment and surprise when Israel's brutality is too blatant to completely ignore, none of the world powers have bothered to use their clout to force Israeli soldiers and politicians to act professionally and honourably.
In the EU, member states such as Ireland, Spain and a few others have consistently taken principled positions against Hamas terrorism and Israeli war crimes while demanding sanctions against Israel and action against Hamas. Unfortunately, a handful of countries - most prominently Germany, which is the bloc's most influential state - have blocked any hope of sanctions, or even full-throated condemnation of Israel. Many critics believe Berlin's historical guilt over its state-run genocide of Jews during WWII is behind its refusal to intervene or even call out Israeli excesses.
Meanwhile, US Congressmen are issuing statements left, right and centre about perceived election irregularities and the possibility for abuse of new legislation in Pakistan and other countries, but - except for a courageous few - will never even utter a word of condemnation about the mass murder of women and children in Gaza. In fact, as happened after the recent hospital raid, they will defend Israel's right to defend itself from all threats, including doctors, nurses, pregnant women, and little children.
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