As a leader in the field of medical education, my role extends beyond merely training the healthcare workforce of the future. It is also to instil a universal obligation for the provision of relief to all mankind. There are international humanitarian laws in place during times of war to safeguard healthcare workers. Those tasked with medical duties must always be shielded except in situations where they commit acts, outside their humanitarian remit, that are detrimental to the opposition.
The premise that hospitals are being exploited as shields by Hamas has been used by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) to devastate Gaza’s medical infrastructure, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 350 healthcare staff and the imprisonment of several others. Aside from the wanton bombing-induced civilian deaths, the lack of basic health care has led to the inevitable loss of thousands more civilian lives.
Crucially, while there is no substantial proof of any health workers in Gaza engaging in military action, they’re entitled to protection even if they are accused of resorting to armed self-defence or to safeguard the patients under their care. Moreover, individuals under their care continue to be safeguarded even if the healthcare workers lose their own protection.
In conclusion, by straightforward reasoning, IDF’s actions constitute a breach of international human rights law which amounts to an act of war crime.
To make amends for the egregious error of offering shamrock bowl to US President Joe Biden, only to have more arms supplied to Israel, it is suggested that Leo Varadkar and his government officials should acknowledge the State of Palestine. Simultaneously, they should abstain from exploiting European Union’s prevarications on the matter.