Human Lives Human Rights: The occupying Israeli regime carried out a missile attack on Al-Ahli hospital on the evening of October 18, resulting in the tragic deaths of 500 women, children, and patients. It is crucial to note that this heinous act aligns with numerous examples of crimes against humanity.
As per the definitions of crimes against humanity, it is important to note that unlike war crimes, these types of crimes must be committed by governments or political powers due to the extensive organization and preparation involved. It is worth mentioning that crimes against humanity can occur both during times of war and times of peace.
The concept of crimes against humanity encompasses a broader scope than genocide. Unlike genocide, crimes against humanity do not require targeting a specific group. Instead, they involve indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations, including political groups, children, patients, the wounded, and women. These series of crimes lack a clear target and are carried out in a blind and indiscriminate manner.
Regarding this matter, Article 7 of the Statute of the Hague International Criminal Court provides a definition for crimes against humanity. According to this article, a crime against humanity involves the commission of certain acts as part of an attack on a civilian group, carried out on a large scale and with the knowledge of such an attack. These acts include murder, extermination, and other inhumane acts that share similar characteristics. The intention behind these acts is to cause severe pain and suffering or to inflict serious harm on the physical or mental health of individuals or the collective.
As per paragraph 2(a) of the mentioned article, an attack against a civilian group is defined as a series of actions that are in line with or continue the policy of a government or organization. This attack is carried out through repeated acts targeting the civilian population mentioned in paragraph 1.
From any perspective, the crime committed during the attack on the evening of October 18 serves as a clear illustration of a crime against humanity. It is evident that this barbaric act carried out by the Israeli regime against the civilian population in Al-Ahli Hospital aligns with numerous examples of such crimes.
