Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Benjamin Netanyahu has vetoed plans for a field hospital to treat injured Gazan children. The initial proposal was put forward by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The hospital was planned to address the needs of children in Gaza through the ongoing conflict.
Why Build a Hospital for Gaza Children?
Defense Minister Gallant said that the field hospitals were temporary solutions to provide critical medical care to these children, especially with the shortage of hospitals in Gaza. He planned to establish these field hospitals to treat children with diabetes, orthopedic injuries, and cancer until a more permanent solution was found.
But the Prime Minister kicked against this decision, saying that he does not approve establishing a hospital for Gazans within Israel territory, and that the hospital plan will not be sanctioned.
Netanyahu's decision has raised several eyebrows in the Israeli and international communities. An anonymous Israeli official reported that the office of the Defence Minister had asked for the PM’s help to bring patients out of hospitals in Gaza two weeks ago. According to the source, “The PM’s office did not reply, which is why the Defense Minister issued an order to set up a field hospital within Israel to provide an immediate solution for these children.”
The Prime Minister’s office announced that the main reason for the veto was security concerns. The PM’s spokesperson, Major General Roman Gofman, explained in his announcement that the Israeli government is yet to create a transportation corridor for the sick and injured in Gaza. He stresses that these field hospitals could be exploited, and lives weren't guaranteed during transportation.
The Israeli army seized the southern Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on May 7th and also proceeded with military operations in the city where many Gazans had taken refuge. They did this, despite international warnings about the possible consequences.
Division in the Israeli Camp?
It would seem that the political landscape within Israel is divided. Gallant has argued on several occasions that political considerations should not override moral responsibilities, a notion that many would support and even more would oppose.
The Tikva forum, a group consisting of people with families held hostage in Gaza, berated Gallant for planning to set up a temporary hospital for children who they claim are “the enemy's children”. The forum termed the DM’s decision as “an outrageous one that angers them and abandons their children”.
The PM’s decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, including human rights organizations and international bodies. Amnesty International condemned the veto and described it as “a disregard for basic human rights for the injured children without hospitals in Gaza.”
Final Thoughts
Israel is facing condemnation from international bodies since the country disregarded a cease-fire from the UN Security Council Resolution. Local health authorities report that “Israel's unceasing attacks have resulted in over 38,800 Palestinians dead and over 89,400 injured. Most of these fatalities were women and children”.
The Defense Minister’s hospital plan was a beacon of hope for children in Gaza— but it’s looking like another one yet dashed