The killing, detention and enforced disappearance of health workers has had a devastating impact on the people of Gaza, the UN Human Rights Office has said, decrying the reported killing of 500 health workers since October 7.

“These killings have occurred against the backdrop of systematic attacks on hospitals and other medical facilities in violation of the laws of war,” the OHCHR said.

The latest health worker killed was Hani al-Jaafarwi, head of emergency and ambulance services at a health clinic in Gaza City on June 23. Many health workers have also died with their family members when residential buildings were struck by the Israeli army.

“Health workers have been subjected to other serious violations under international humanitarian and human rights law during this period. Our office has gathered credible information that [Israeli military] raids on hospitals have often led to mass detention and enforced disappearances, including of medical staff,” it said in a statement.

It cited arrests of health personnel, including hospital directors, at al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals in North Gaza, al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, and al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis.

“Some released health workers have alleged they were subjected to torture and other forms of ill-treatment in Israeli custody. Two Palestinian doctors, Dr Adnan Al Bursh of Al Shifa Medical Complex and Dr Iyad Al Rantisi of Kamal Adwan Hospital, reportedly died in [Israeli military] detention in Gaza as a result of torture and ill-treatment,” the UN agency said.