A UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) report says Israel’s claims that Gaza hospitals are being improperly used for military purposes by Palestinian groups were “vague” amid ongoing Israeli attacks on health facilities protected under international law, Al Jazeera reports.

“Insufficient information has so far been made publicly available to substantiate these allegations, which have remained vague and broad, and in some cases appear contradicted by publicly available information,” the report says.

The study graphically details the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system between October 12, 2023 and June 30, 2024. During that time, there were at least 136 attacks on 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities, resulting in the killing of doctors, nurses, medics and other civilians.

It noted that the deliberate destruction of healthcare facilities “may amount to a form of collective punishment, which would also constitute a war crime”.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said, “The one sanctuary where Palestinians should have felt safe in fact became a death trap. The protection of hospitals during warfare is paramount and must be respected by all sides, at all times.”