Explosion at Gaza Hospital Leaves Hundreds Feared Dead, Escalates Tensions in the Region
An explosion at a hospital in Gaza on Tuesday has left hundreds of people feared dead, further escalating tensions between Palestinians and Israel. Both sides are blaming each other for the incident, which comes just before US President Joe Biden’s scheduled visit to Israel.
According to the Hamas-controlled health ministry, at least 200 people were killed in what they believe to be an Israeli strike on Al-Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza City. This incident would mark the deadliest event in Gaza since Israel launched its offensive in response to a previous attack by Hamas.
However, the Israel Defense Forces claim that their intelligence suggests the explosion was caused by a misfired rocket launched by Islamic Jihad, another militant group based in Gaza. The cause and death toll of the explosion have not been independently verified.
The explosion has cast a cloud over Biden’s trip, as Jordan canceled a summit where he was set to meet with regional leaders. Clashes have also erupted between Palestinians and police in the occupied West Bank, intensifying concerns that the conflict will spill over into that territory.
The incident has drawn condemnation from Muslim countries including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, with Jordan’s King Abdullah calling it a “massacre” and a war crime. Videos circulating online show Palestinian police using tear gas against crowds in the West Bank.
Thousands of Palestinians sought refuge in hospitals in Gaza, believing they would be safe from Israeli bombardment. However, the densely populated enclave has come under intense air and artillery strikes for over a week.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, asserts that it was the “barbaric terrorists in Gaza” who attacked the hospital and not the IDF. Reverend Fadi Biab, vice-chair of the hospital’s board, stated that they are still assessing the number of casualties.
The World Health Organization strongly condemned the attack and called for the immediate protection of civilians and healthcare facilities. Russia’s UN mission and the United Arab Emirates have requested an extraordinary Security Council meeting to discuss the hospital blast.
Saudi Arabia, which had been in talks with the US to normalize relations with Israel, condemned the “atrocious crime” committed by Israeli forces. The offensive on Gaza began after Hamas launched an assault in southern Israel, resulting in over 1,400 Israeli casualties and nearly 200 hostages taken by the militant group.
Palestinian officials report that the Israeli strikes have killed over 3,000 people in Gaza. On Tuesday, dozens were killed and scores were injured in air strikes in the towns of Rafah and Khan Younis. The UN also reported that one of its schools housing displaced Palestinians was hit during the air strikes, resulting in multiple casualties.
The UN has warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with shortages of drinking water, electricity, fuel, medicines, and food. UNRWA, the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, has stated that people will start dying due to water shortages. The situation continues to worsen as the conflict shows no signs of resolution.