Hamas-led Ministry Attributes Hospital Explosion to Israeli Airstrike
An explosion at Gaza City’s al-Ahli Baptist Hospital on Tuesday evening has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 500 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, operated by Hamas. The incident occurred as hundreds sought refuge within the hospital amid escalating conflict in the region.
Images captured from the scene display blazing fires within the hospital’s halls, shattered glass, and scattered human remains. If verified, this would represent the deadliest attack in any of the five wars involving Israel and Gaza since 2008. While the Israeli military stated that it is investigating the incident, immediate attribution remains contentious.
Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis, resources such as food and water are critically scarce in Gaza, with hospital fuel supplies predicted to run out within 24 hours, placing countless injured individuals at further risk. Aid trucks continue to wait at the Rafah border crossing to Egypt as international efforts, including U.S.-brokered plans with Israel, aim to establish aid channels into Gaza.
The United Nations has highlighted the mass displacement of over one million Palestinians, with a significant number residing in a limited southern evacuation zone. Iran has issued stern warnings to Israel over its actions in Gaza, while the Israeli military is strategising next moves, potentially diverging from a widely anticipated ground offensive.
President Joe Biden is expected to engage with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and later meet leaders from Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt in efforts to address the mounting crisis.
