The Israeli army's publication of a map showing the locations of important hospitals in the Gaza Strip and claiming that these health institutions are used for military purposes increased concerns that a new military operation was being prepared in the region. According to the special report of Çetiner Çetin from Habertürk, the most critical centers of the health infrastructure extending from the north to the south of Gaza were marked on the map shared by the Israeli army with the public on November 13. In the map, which includes Nasser Medical Complex, Şifa Hospital, Jerusalem Hospital, Kemal Advan Hospital and European Hospital, it is claimed that weapons are stored in these health institutions and some sections are used as military command centers. However, the Israeli administration has not shared with the public concrete evidence that could independently verify these accusations. Palestinian health officials and humanitarian organizations rejected the allegations and warned that the map could constitute a justification for new attacks on health facilities.
LOCATIONS OF THE HOSPITALS ARE MARKED ONE BY ONE
On the map published by the Israeli army, the locations of major health institutions in different parts of Gaza were clearly shown. It was noteworthy that a large area extending from Kemal Advan Hospital and Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza city in the north to Nasser Medical Complex and European Hospital in the south was marked. While the Israeli army argues that these facilities are used to store weapons and manage military activities, Palestinian sources evaluate that the map may provide justification for future raids, sieges or air strikes. Although the publication of the map does not in itself indicate that a new attack decision has been made, it increases security concerns for patients and healthcare workers.
HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS REJECTED ISRAEL'S CLAIMS
Hospital administrations and healthcare professionals in Gaza have denied accusations that healthcare facilities are being used for military purposes. Palestinian health officials emphasized that the hospitals in question are civilian health centers where the wounded are treated, emergency surgeries are performed and chronic patients are tried to be kept alive in severe war conditions. It was noted that thousands of displaced Palestinians took shelter in hospitals and their surroundings to protect themselves from the conflicts. It was stated that depicting healthcare institutions as military targets could endanger not only patients and healthcare workers, but also civilians taking shelter in these facilities.
HEALTH SYSTEM FACES THE RISK OF COLLAPSE IN GAZA
The map published by Israel came to the fore at a time when the healthcare system in Gaza was experiencing a severe crisis due to lack of medicine, medical supplies, fuel and technical equipment. Restricting hospitals' access to the fuel used to generate electricity threatens vital healthcare services, from operating rooms to intensive care units. It is stated that if health institutions are evacuated or out of service due to military operations, especially seriously injured people, children, the elderly and intensive care patients may face serious risks. International health organizations warn that further reductions in current capacity may negatively affect maternity services, dialysis practices and the fight against infectious diseases.
WHAT DO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS SAY FOR HOSPITALS?
The Israeli army's claims that military activities are being carried out in hospitals have also brought about discussions in terms of international humanitarian law. In accordance with the Geneva Conventions, civilian hospitals, healthcare workers, patients and injured people are under special protection. The claim that a health facility is used for military purposes does not automatically mean that that facility can be attacked. It is only possible for hospitals to lose their special protection under strict conditions determined by international law. When necessary, advance warning must be given, reasonable time must be given and obligations regarding the protection of civilians must be fulfilled. Moreover, any military operation must comply with the principles of discrimination, proportionality and precaution. For this reason, the map published by the Israeli army is not sufficient by itself to consider hospitals as legitimate military targets.
NEW ATTACK CONCERNS ARE GROWING
Sharing the names and locations of hospitals in Gaza with the public by the Israeli army has brought concerns about the protection of health facilities to the agenda again. While Palestinian sources argue that the map puts new pressure on the health infrastructure that is trying to survive in the region, international organizations draw attention to the importance of protecting patients, healthcare workers and civilians. While it is emphasized that Israel's claims should be examined by independent and reliable mechanisms, there are concerns that possible military operations may eliminate the limited treatment opportunities remaining in Gaza. In this respect, the published map is considered not only as a sign of a possible military operation, but also as a critical development for the future of the healthcare system and civilians in Gaza.
