In a devastating incident, the al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza City has reportedly been hit by a strike, resulting in the loss of an estimated 500 lives, according to a spokesperson for the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry. The hospital, which serves as a critical healthcare facility, has been severely affected, leaving the international community shocked and outraged.
Israel had previously issued evacuation orders for civilians in Gaza City, signalling a potential ground offensive. The reported strike has raised concerns about the safety of innocent civilians amidst escalating tensions in the region. Disturbing images depicting the aftermath of the attack have been circulating on social media platforms, further fuelling international concern.
The al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital, with over 250 beds and more than 880 employees, plays a vital role in providing healthcare services to over 160,000 patients annually, as stated on its website. The reported bombing has left the hospital in ruins and has adversely impacted its ability to offer medical assistance to the local community.
While Israel’s military has not yet provided specific details regarding the strike, Hamas released a statement on its Telegram channel condemning the attack as a “horrific massacre” and a “crime of genocide.” The statement also called for immediate intervention from the international community and Arab and Islamic nations to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
Zaher Sahloul, the head of the MedGlobal humanitarian organisation based in the United States, described the attack on the al-Ahli Arab Hospital as the worst assault on a medical facility in the 21st century. Sahloul emphasised that such actions violate international law, constitute a war crime, and undermine medical neutrality and the Geneva Conventions.
The director general of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, condemned the deadly attack and called for the immediate protection of civilians. He also urged Israel to reverse its evacuation orders, which have further complicated the humanitarian situation.
In response to the bombing, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has declared three days of mourning, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the hospital attack. Various political factions have called for a commercial strike in the West Bank to protest the Israeli aggression.
US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has strongly denounced the bombing of the al-Ahli Arab Hospital, urging President Biden to take immediate action to end the conflict. Tlaib and her progressive colleagues have introduced a congressional resolution.
