Health officials in Gaza have reported that a massive explosion at a hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. Israeli and Palestinian officials are trading accusations over who is responsible for the devastating blast.
Palestinian officials are blaming an Israeli airstrike for the attack on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, stating that at least 500 people were killed. Israeli officials, however, deny targeting the hospital and claim that their intelligence suggests the explosion was caused by a rocket launched by the militant group Islamic Jihad that fell short of reaching Israel.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, thousands of people have been displaced or injured in the incident. Hamas has called it “a horrific massacre.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly condemned the attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital, with the head of WHO tweeting that early reports indicate hundreds of deaths and injuries. The organization is calling for the immediate protection of civilians and health care.
U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk expressed his shock at the incident and called for an end to the violence. He stated that the full scale of the carnage is still unknown, but those responsible must be held accountable.
The claims made by both sides have not been independently verified.
President Biden has expressed outrage and deep sadness over the explosion at the Al Ahli Arab Hospital. He has directed his national security team to gather more information about the incident and stands for the protection of civilian life during conflicts.
Due to the protests and concerns of violence in the West Bank, President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority has decided to return to Ramallah from Amman. Protests have erupted outside Israeli and U.S. embassies and consulates in several countries following the hospital blast.
