Israeli strike on children’s hospital grows condemnation

As the dust settles from the recent Israeli airstrike on Hakim Children’s Hospital, condemnation has been growing over Israel’s serious violation of international humanitarian law (IHL).

The drone attack has once again ignited global concern over the targeting of medical infrastructure during conflict.

According to IHL, medical establishments and units, including hospitals, enjoy special protection and may not be attacked under any circumstances.

This protection extends to the wounded and sick, as well as to medical personnel and means of transport.

The few exceptions—such as misuse of hospitals for military purposes—require clear and documented proof, and even then, a warning must be given in advance. No such justification has been provided in this case.

Israel’s history of targeting civilian sites in Gaza and Lebanon, including residential buildings and schools, shows a continued disregard for such legal norms.

The Israeli strikes targeted Tehran and multiple provinces across Iran while Iran was conducting a series of peaceful negotiations with the representative of the US government.