Gaza Hospital Bombing Sparks Global Outrage
At Least 500 Dead in Gaza Hospital Bombing
Gaza City is in shock after a devastating bombing ripped through Al Ahli al Arabi hospital, killing at least 500 people, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Palestinian officials have blamed Israel for the deadly strike, while Israel accuses the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) group — a charge PIJ strongly denies.
Protests Explode Across Middle East
Fury and grief have sparked widespread protests. In the West Bank, Palestinians clashed with security forces as crowds voiced anger at Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Tear gas and stun grenades were used to break up demonstrations.
Meanwhile, in Beirut, protesters set fire outside the US embassy, and others pelted the French embassy with rocks. Hezbollah urged Arabs and Muslims everywhere to “express intense anger” over the hospital bombing.
In Tripoli and other Lebanese cities, hundreds waved Palestinian flags and chanted for Gaza. Similar protests erupted outside the British and French embassies in Iran, heightening regional tensions.
US Issues Travel Warning as Violence Escalates
The US State Department has warned its citizens against travelling to Lebanon amid fears of terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. The advisory cites risks of kidnapping, crime, and limited embassy support in the volatile environment.
Biden Cuts Jordan Trip, Pledges Tough Talks in Israel
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed President Joe Biden’s arrival in Tel Aviv, where he faces a packed schedule of meetings. Biden will meet Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, the war cabinet, first responders, and families affected by the violence.
Biden plans to ask “tough questions” as a friend to Israel but demands clarity on the conflict’s cause. His planned trip to Amman, Jordan, was cancelled following the hospital blast. Instead, he’ll hold talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the flight back, showing his focus on brokering calm in the explosive region.
