UN rights office voices concern over 'heavy fighting' around Indonesia Hospital in Gaza

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) – The UN human rights office on Monday expressed concern over "heavy fighting" around the Indonesia Hospital in Gaza and said that hospitals should not be the site of fighting.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is “receiving very concerning reports of heavy fighting as Israeli forces approach Indonesia Hospital in Gaza City," UN Human Rights in Occupied Palestinian Territory said on X.

"Words fail us to describe the grave existential threats and harm facing medics, staff, patients and displaced persons at medical centers across Gaza," it said, adding: "Hospitals, schools, and shelters must be safe and protected - they should not be the site of sighting."

Since Israel started bombing the Gaza Strip after a surprise Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, at least 13,000 Palestinians have been killed, including over 9,000 women and children, and more than 30,000 others have been injured, according to the latest figures by Palestinian authorities.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s relentless air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.

An Israeli blockade has also cut Gaza off from fuel, electricity and water supplies, and reduced aid deliveries to a small trickle.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.