TEL AVIV — A devastating Israeli airstrike on an ambulance outside Gaza City’s largest hospital resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people and injured 60 more, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The aftermath of the attack was captured in photos and videos that were geolocated by The Washington Post and showed scenes of destruction and chaos. The strike was one of several attacks on schools and healthcare facilities in Gaza on Friday as part of Israel’s offensive against Hamas. The Israeli military confirmed that it had targeted the ambulance, claiming that it was being used by a Hamas terrorist cell. The strike occurred in what Israel described as a “battle zone” near al-Shifa Hospital, which Israel has accused Hamas of using as a command center. The videos and photos reviewed by The Post showed women and children among the casualties, and there were no visible weapons or individuals in military attire. The strike targeted an ambulance that was part of a six-vehicle convoy transporting wounded patients from al-Shifa Hospital to southern Gaza. The convoy had been announced two hours before the strike and had initially intended to be accompanied by the International Committee of the Red Cross for safe passage. However, due to an “urgent need,” the convoy left without the Red Cross. The convoy was targeted twice after setting off, with the lead vehicle sustaining damage and civilian casualties occurring when the convoy arrived at al-Shifa Hospital. Witnesses reported that the area was crowded with tens of thousands of people seeking shelter around the hospital at the time of the attack. The strike caused outrage and condemnation, with many questioning Israel’s compliance with international law. The incident further exacerbates the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the International Committee of the Red Cross describing the situation as catastrophic and worsening. The exact death toll from the Israeli strike on a school housing displaced families in Jabalya is still being determined.
Controversial Incident Unveiled: Israel’s Al-Shifa Hospital Ambulance Targeted in Gaza City Strike
