Ankara: Witnesses on Friday told the final session of the international forum Gaza Tribunal in Istanbul that Israeli forces during the Gaza genocide "deliberately" targeted and attacked medical personnel and hospitals. The ongoing tribunal, held at Istanbul University from Thursday to Sunday, has been documenting what survivors and experts describe as systematic violations of international law.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fares Afanah, the director of emergency and medical services in Gaza, recounted how his son died during a rescue mission in Gaza, according to an interview video released by Witness Eye during the final session of the tribunal. Afanah expressed his disbelief at finding his son Baraa, describing the event as a crime against the Palestinian people. He detailed how Baraa, along with other emergency responders, was targeted by Israeli forces while attempting to rescue injured civilians.
Afanah's testimony highlighted the perilous conditions faced by first responders in Gaza, emphasizing the danger they encounter even when performing humanitarian duties. A fourth injured man survived the attack only because he was outside the targeted room, illustrating the indiscriminate nature of the assault.
Additionally, Fadya Malhis, a healthcare worker in Gaza, provided further context on the targeted actions against medical personnel. She mentioned arrests, killings, and torture of doctors, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by healthcare workers in the region.
Malhis also refuted claims by Israeli authorities about tunnels under Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, questioning the feasibility of such operations given the hospital's history and layout. She recounted the harsh conditions under which medical staff operated, often being forced to move patients for media inspections, further illustrating the dire situation in Gaza.
The Gaza Tribunal, a four-day public session, is the culmination of a year-long effort by international jurists, scholars, and civil society figures to document alleged crimes against Palestinians. The tribunal featured expert presentations and eyewitness testimonies on various humanitarian violations, targeting of public infrastructure, and more.
Presided over by Richard Falk, the tribunal aims to create a comprehensive "people's record" of what participants describe as genocide, apartheid, and systemic violations of international law in Gaza. The jury of conscience includes notable figures such as Kenize Mourad, Christine Chinkin, and others, highlighting the global significance of the tribunal's findings.