Doctor exposes Israel’s attacks on Gaza healthcare in 2023

Dr. Mads Gilbert, a Norwegian anesthesiologist, has been a prominent critic of Israeli military actions in Gaza, particularly regarding their impact on healthcare. In a recent interview, he described the healthcare situation in Gaza as a man-made disaster, attributing the destruction to systematic Israeli attacks on medical facilities and personnel. He emphasized that the ongoing conflict has exacerbated an already dire healthcare crisis, with many chronic conditions going untreated due to the destruction of hospitals and clinics. Gilbert's observations are rooted in his extensive experience in the region, having visited Gaza multiple times since 1982. He noted that the current situation is not merely a consequence of the recent hostilities but part of a long-term strategy to undermine Palestinian infrastructure. He drew parallels between the tactics used in Gaza and those employed by Israel during its invasion of Lebanon, highlighting a pattern of targeting essential services and cultural institutions. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is compounded by the fact that over 2.2 million residents are facing not only war-related injuries but also untreated chronic illnesses. Gilbert argued that the destruction of healthcare services is a deliberate attempt to suppress Palestinian society and erase its cultural identity. He condemned the international community, particularly the US and EU, for failing to hold Israel accountable for what he termed war crimes. Gilbert concluded with a call for immediate international intervention to address the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis, warning that the current trajectory of Israeli policies could lead to significant repercussions for both the Palestinian people and the Israeli state itself.