Day: October 17, 2023
Categories
NPR News: 10-17-2023 11PM EDT
In a devastating turn of events, at least 500 civilians have lost their lives as a result of Israeli airstrikes on the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, situated within the besieged Gaza Strip, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The airstrikes occurred amidst an ongoing Israeli military campaign against the Palestinian territory.
On Tuesday, the Gaza Health Ministry issued a statement, reporting that Israeli airstrikes had struck the central Gaza hospital compound, resulting in the tragic loss of hundreds of lives, with the majority being women and children. The statement went on to reveal that many victims remained trapped under the rubble, emphasizing the urgency of rescue operations.
Thousands of civilians had sought refuge and medical treatment at the hospital to escape the relentless Israeli airstrikes that have plagued the region in recent days.
This devastating attack marks the deadliest Israeli airstrike in the five wars fought in the region since 2008, as confirmed by the Palestinian Civil Defense. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesman for the Palestinian authorities, condemned the incident, stating, “The massacre at al-Ahli Arab Hospital is unprecedented in our history. While we’ve witnessed tragedies in past wars and days, but what took place tonight is tantamount to genocide.”
Hamas, the Palestinian political and militant organization, labeled the attack as a “war crime.” They also pointed out that the hospital had been providing shelter and medical care to hundreds of sick and wounded individuals, as well as those forcibly displaced from their homes due to previous Israeli airstrikes.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) added its voice to the condemnation, describing the Israeli attack as nothing short of genocide, further highlighting the severity of the situation in Gaza.
This tragic incident has raised international concerns about the ongoing conflict and the impact on innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. The international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Categories