Harvard Study Reveals Impact of Israeli Bombing Near Gaza Hospitals
A recent study from Harvard University has raised serious concerns about the use of American-made bombs by Israel in the Gaza Strip. The research, conducted by the Center for Health and Human Rights, analyzed the aftermath of bombings that occurred between October 7 and November 17, 2023, and found that highly destructive MK-84 bombs were dropped perilously close to hospitals, endangering countless civilians.
The study utilized satellite imagery to assess 36 hospitals and 592 sinkholes, revealing that bomb explosions occurred as close as 14 meters from hospital facilities. Alarmingly, 83% of the hospitals surveyed experienced at least one bombing within 800 meters, a distance at which the MK-84 bomb can inflict serious injury and damage. The findings indicate that the Israeli military dropped over 100 MK-84 bombs in areas designated as “safe evacuation zones” for civilians, with 38 bombs landing within 800 meters of hospitals situated in these zones.
This indiscriminate bombing of hospitals, which are protected under international humanitarian law, has raised ethical questions regarding the conduct of military operations in densely populated areas. The MK-84, a free-fall unguided bomb produced by General Dynamics, weighs approximately one ton and has the capability to destroy structures and cause widespread devastation.
Humanitarian Concerns and International Response
The implications of this study are profound, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform in military operations that affect civilian populations. The use of such powerful munitions in close proximity to healthcare facilities raises significant humanitarian concerns, especially as these hospitals serve as critical shelters for civilians amid ongoing conflict.
According to reports, the United States has supplied Israel with at least 14,000 MK-84 bombs and other munitions in the period leading up to June 28, 2024. This military support has sparked debates about the ethical responsibilities of arms suppliers in conflict zones, particularly regarding the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure. Advocacy groups and international organizations are calling for investigations into these actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to international humanitarian laws.
