Israeli Projectile Strikes Perimeter of Tehran Children’s Hospital

TEHRAN – A projectile, reportedly launched by Israel, impacted the outer fence of Hakim Children’s Hospital in southern Tehran late Friday night, marking a notable escalation in ongoing tensions. Hospital administrators confirmed that, fortunately, no injuries occurred during the incident, which unfolded amidst a series of attacks targeting the Iranian capital.

Details of the Hospital Attack

Dr. Reza Shervin Badv, vice chancellor at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, stated that the projectile hit the hospital’s perimeter fence. The location of the strike spared patients and medical staff from any physical harm. “This attack on a medical center where children receive care is strongly condemned,” Dr. Badv stated. “We are thankful that no one was injured, and medical services are continuing without any interruption.”

Did You Know? The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented hundreds of attacks on healthcare facilities globally in the past year, highlighting a concerning trend of disregard for medical neutrality during conflicts [[WHO].

Hakim Children’s Hospital: A Vital Healthcare Center

Hakim Children’s Hospital, a 266-bed facility, is a crucial healthcare and educational hub serving underprivileged communities in southern Tehran. Throughout the night, the hospital’s dedicated medical teams remained on duty, ensuring continuous care for all patients.

Condemnation and Response

Iranian health authorities and various humanitarian organizations have vehemently denounced the attack.They emphasized that targeting healthcare facilities is a war crime and a blatant violation of international law and medical neutrality. The incident occurred as part of a series of overnight attacks in Tehran and other areas, with reports indicating civilian casualties in other parts of the capital. Emergency services and hospitals throughout the city are maintaining a state of high alert.

Pro Tip: Reviewing international humanitarian law, notably the Geneva Conventions, provides a deeper understanding of the protections afforded to medical facilities during armed conflicts.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are currently investigating the incident and assessing the extent of the damage to the hospital’s infrastructure. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region. While Iran appears to be pausing military action, the situation remains strained [[3]. The Islamic Council of Iran has also announced plans to reduce the number of foreign citizens in the country [[1].

International Law and healthcare Facilities

Under international law, healthcare facilities are granted special protections during armed conflicts. The targeting of such facilities is considered a war crime, as outlined in the Geneva Conventions and related protocols. These protections aim to ensure that medical personnel can provide care to the wounded and sick without fear of attack.

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