Amid growing concerns over attacks on civilian infrastructure in conflict zones, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), said that bombing hospitals and schools and killing medical workers constitute war crimes.
In a strongly worded statement, Tedros said: “Bombing a hospital or a school isn’t a ‘miscalculation’. Killing a paramedic isn’t ‘collateral damage’. Starving civilians isn’t a ‘negotiating tactic’. These are war crimes. Full stop.”
The WHO chief’s remarks have come amid growing reports that health facilities and educational institutions have been hit during the fighting, resulting in the deaths of students, teachers, doctors, paramedics and other health workers.
Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that attacks on hospitals, ambulances and medical staff violate international humanitarian law, which requires all parties in conflict to protect civilians and essential infrastructure.
According to aid agencies, the continuing hostilities across parts of West Asia have severely disrupted health services and education systems, leaving thousands of civilians without access to medical care and safe schooling.