Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) vehemently condemns the ongoing Israeli military escalation in the Gaza Strip, characterizing it as a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

The organization points to the deliberate targeting of civilians as evidence of genocidal intent.

Today's airstrikes near Kamal Adwan Hospital resulted in the deaths of over 30 civilians.  The hospital itself has been shelled five times in 24 hours, according to director Dr. Hossam Abu Safia, injuring three medical staff.  Dr. Abu Safia describes these attacks as "part of a brutal policy targeting neighborhoods and civilians within healthcare facilities."  This blatant disregard for the protection of health facilities and displaced persons constitutes a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions.

International legal experts cite the targeting of essential infrastructure – including residential buildings, displacement centers, hospitals, and schools – particularly in northern Gaza (Jabalia Camp and Beit Lahia Project), as strong evidence of genocidal intent.  Human rights organizations report over 3,700 Palestinian deaths in northern Gaza over the past two months, with the total casualty count since October 7, 2023, exceeding 44,600, including over 100,000 injured. This makes the current escalation the deadliest in Gaza's history.

Recent attacks include the bombing of several neighborhoods (Tel al-Hawa, Sabra, and Shuja'iyya) on December 5th, resulting in numerous casualties, and the deliberate bombing of Mawasi Khan Younis camp on December 4th, which killed 20 civilians, including children.  Satellite imagery confirms widespread demolition and bulldozing operations, particularly in areas separating northern and southern Gaza.  The Gaza Civil Defense reports the direct targeting of families in their homes.

WJWC calls on the international community to act decisively to halt these atrocities. The organization demands an immediate end to the attacks, protection for civilians under international humanitarian law, swift action on International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court decisions, and the prosecution of those responsible for these crimes. WJWC further urges an end to all support enabling the Israeli government's actions and stresses that international silence constitutes complicity. Urgent action is needed to save civilian lives and prevent further crimes against humanity.

Released by:

Women journalists Without chains

December 6, 2024