A devastating incident has unfolded in Gaza City as a hospital bombing leaves over 500 people dead, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The Herald understands that the incident has ignited a wave of accusations and counterclaims between the involved parties, further intensifying the already precarious situation.
While Palestinian officials have pointed fingers at Israel, alleging their involvement in the attack, Israel has placed blame on the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) group. The PIJ vehemently denies any responsibility for the tragic blast that occurred at the al Ahli al Arabi hospital.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement claiming that the explosion was not the result of an Israeli strike. Instead, the IDF claims it was caused by a misfired Palestinian rocket intended for Israel.
An IDF spokesperson stated, “Following an additional review and cross-examination of the operational and intelligence systems, it is clear that the IDF did not strike the hospital in Gaza.
“The hospital was hit as a result of a failed rocket launched by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization. The terrorist organizations within the Gaza Strip fire indiscriminately toward Israel.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the incident as an act of ‘barbaric terrorists’ in Gaza, emphasising that the Israeli military was not responsible for the hospital bombing.
The tragedy prompted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to declare three days of mourning, signifying the depth of sorrow and loss experienced by the Palestinian people. This declaration led to the cancellation of a planned meeting between President Abbas and US President Joe Biden.
In the aftermath of the devastating explosion, approximately 350 casualties were swiftly transported from the blast site to Gaza City’s primary hospital, al Shifa. However, al Shifa Hospital was already overwhelmed by those injured from previous strikes, further exacerbating the challenging situation for medical personnel.
Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, released a statement in response to the incident, condemning it as a ‘crime of genocide’ and attributing the blame to Israel.
The statement read, “The horrific massacre carried out by the Zionist occupation in Gaza City’s al Ahli hospital, which left hundreds of casualties, most of them displaced families, patients, children, and women, is a crime of genocide that once again reveals the ugly face of this criminal enemy and its fascist and terrorist government.
“This also exposes the American and Western support for this criminal occupation.”
Hamas called for ‘immediate’ intervention by the international community and the Arab and Islamic countries.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby expressed his deep condolences in the wake of the assault.
He stated, “The Ahli hospital is run by the Anglican church. I mourn with our brothers and sisters – please pray for them.”
He also noted that the hospital had previously been hit by Israeli rocket fire on October 14, resulting in injuries to four members of the hospital staff.
Welby underscored the urgent need for the protection of civilians in the ongoing conflict, renewing his appeal for the safeguarding of innocent lives during this devastating war.