Israeli forces have killed at least 54 people in Gaza and destroyed the only facility for kidney dialysis patients in the north of the enclave. The destruction of the Noura Al-Kaabi Kidney Dialysis Centre, which served over 160 patients with kidney failure, has sparked widespread condemnation from UN and aid groups. They denounce Israeli killings of dozens of starving Palestinians seeking food near distribution points set up by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
The Israeli military’s actions have been criticized for violating international standards on aid distribution and endangering civilians. According to the UN’s humanitarian office (OHCHR), Israel’s militarized humanitarian assistance mechanism violates international standards, endangers civilians, and contributes to the catastrophic situation in Gaza.
Reactions from World Leaders
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow more emergency aid into the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgent need for sufficient humanitarian aid and its safe distribution.
- Chile’s President Gabriel Boric vowed to step up pressure against Israel over its war in Gaza, announcing plans to introduce a law banning imports from “illegally occupied territories” and backing efforts by Spain for an arms embargo against Israel.
- Cindy McCain, executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP), warned that Gaza could face a humanitarian catastrophe “like none other” without an immediate ceasefire and unfettered access for aid.
Humanitarian Crisis
The destruction of the dialysis centre is the latest in a series of attacks on medical facilities in Gaza. According to officials, Israel has bombed and burned at least 36 hospitals across the Strip since the war began, despite such attacks being considered war crimes under the 1949 Geneva Convention. The WFP chief confirmed reports that Israeli forces killed at least 31 Palestinians seeking food aid at a GHF point in Rafah on Sunday [1].
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, international criticism of Israel’s actions grows. The UN’s human rights office stressed that the weaponization of food for civilians and restricting access to life-sustaining services constitute war crimes and may amount to other international crimes, including genocide.