In a tragic incident, at least 13 people were killed in a blast outside Al-Shifa hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza City, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Graphic videos verified by BBC Verify show severely injured and possibly dead individuals lying outside the hospital. The Israeli military has confirmed that it targeted an ambulance that was allegedly being used by Hamas operatives. Although the location of the airstrike was not disclosed, the Israeli military accused Hamas of transferring militants and weapons in ambulances without presenting evidence.
The Israeli military reiterated that the area is a battle zone and urged civilians to evacuate for their safety. BBC Verify, after studying the videos, determined that they were filmed outside Al-Shifa hospital and uploaded on Friday afternoon. The footage depicted people lying in pools of blood on the road, with some severely injured and motionless. No crater or debris was visible in the videos, but there was damage to the front of an ambulance, and some cars had smashed windows.
According to a statement from the Hamas government, Israeli forces targeted a convoy of ambulances transporting the wounded from Al-Shifa hospital Gaza City to Rafah in the south. Egypt’s health ministry reported that only 17 wounded Palestinians were able to be evacuated for treatment in Egyptian hospitals, instead of the initially planned 28, due to the “events” at Al-Shifa.
The World Health Organization’s chief expressed shock at the explosion at Al-Shifa, emphasizing the need to protect patients, health workers, facilities, and ambulances at all times. Witnesses near the hospital described the scene as devastating, with people losing limbs and crying as they tried to find each other.
The situation at Al-Shifa is compounded by the fact that thousands of people are seeking shelter from Israeli airstrikes there. Many are unable to find space inside the hospital and are forced to sleep in the nearby streets. The Israeli military claims that there is a major Hamas headquarters situated beneath the hospital.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a significant number of casualties. Israel launched its bombings in response to Hamas’ attacks that killed over 1,400 individuals in Israel and abducted more than 240 others. Israel has also initiated a ground operation and announced that its forces have encircled Gaza City. As a precautionary measure, Israel has urged people to move to the southern part of the Gaza Strip, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of citizens.
However, overcrowded conditions and continued Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip have compelled some Palestinians to return to their homes in the north. Tragically, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that the death toll in the Gaza Strip has surpassed 9,000 since October 7th. The situation in the region remains dire and calls for a ceasefire in Gaza have grown louder.
As the world witnesses the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict, it is crucial for international actors to prioritize the protection of civilians and medical facilities. The targeting of hospitals, ambulances, and other healthcare infrastructure is a violation of international humanitarian law and must be condemned. Efforts should be made to de-escalate the situation and facilitate peaceful negotiations between the parties involved. The international community must also provide humanitarian aid and support to those affected by the conflict, including both Palestinians and Israelis who have endured immense suffering.
