UN human rights experts have issued a stark condemnation of what they call "medicide"—deliberate attacks by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) on Gaza's healthcare system—labeling these acts as severe violations of international law. In a recent press release from the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, these actions were described as part of an orchestrated effort to create conditions conducive to the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

The term "medicide" specifically refers to the targeted destruction of healthcare infrastructure and personnel. According to the UN, this strategy is a calculated component in the broader scheme to oppress and decimate the Palestinian population in Gaza. Disturbingly, the UN cited 735 reported attacks on health care facilities and hospitals since October 7, 2023. These assaults have compounded the dire circumstances in Gaza, where a total aid blockade and famine conditions have left medical professionals struggling to provide basic care.

Physicians for Human Rights has added to the outcry, sharing firsthand accounts from healthcare workers on the ground in Gaza. These workers report severe restrictions on medical supplies, with essential items such as anesthesia, painkillers, and basic sanitation materials being prohibited under the pretext of being "dual-use" items, potentially applicable for military purposes. Furthermore, there have been direct attacks on aid convoys, preventing even the most critical aid from reaching those in need.

The UN experts have called for immediate global intervention: "The disregard towards the crimes Israel continues to commit in Gaza sends a stark message to the world that the people of Gaza do not count and their life does not matter." They emphasize that the denial of basic human rights to Gazans, such as dignity, existence, and access to food, presents a moral imperative for international action.

The call to action from the UN is clear. They demand a ceasefire, accountability for the actions of the Israeli government, prevention of further genocidal conditions, and crucially, steps to prevent the total collapse of Gaza's healthcare system. The international community's response to these demands will not only impact the immediate situation in Gaza but also reflect broader commitments to human rights and international law.