Over 500 Medical Personnel Killed in Israel's War on Gaza

Ministry spokesperson Khalil al-Daqran, speaking at a news conference during a nurses' sit-in at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, lamented the loss of 138 nurses, declaring this year as the "Year of Nursing" in Palestine.

"Nurses, midwives, and medical teams are indispensable components of the Palestinian community," asserted al-Daqran. He emphasized their dual role as both national figures and humanitarian aides in saving lives amidst dire circumstances. Al-Daqran highlighted the challenges faced by medical personnel, including martyrdom, injuries, displacement, and detention, with figures indicating 500 deaths, 1,500 injuries, and 312 detainees among them.

Calling for global action, al-Daqran urged the international community to safeguard medical professionals and health institutions while condemning assaults against them. Additionally, he appealed to unions, international bodies, and the World Health Organization (WHO) to dispatch medical and nursing teams to bolster Gaza's healthcare infrastructure.

The toll of the Israeli offensive extends beyond medical personnel, with more than 35,000 Palestinians killed and 76,600 injured since October. Gaza, devastated by the prolonged Israeli war, grapples with widespread destruction and a severe shortage of essential resources like food, water, and medicine.

In a significant development, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an interim ruling in January, suggesting the plausibility of Israeli actions amounting to genocide in Gaza. The court directed Tel Aviv to cease such activities and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in the enclave.

Meanwhile, South Africa has petitioned the ICJ to compel Israel to withdraw from Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, as part of additional emergency measures to address the ongoing war.