Israel has claimed responsibility for the attack on an ambulance that was part of a convoy evacuating wounded Palestinians out of strife-torn Gaza. At least 15 people were killed and 60 others injured in the strike on the ambulance outside Al Shifa Hospital, one of the largest in the enclave.
In a statement, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said they hit the ambulance because it was being used by Hamas. “An IDF aircraft struck an ambulance that was identified by forces as being used by a Hamas terrorist cell in close proximity to their position in the battle zone,” it wrote. The IDF has claimed that the Hamas is using these ambulances to transport operatives and weapons. The IDF added that a number of Hamas operatives were killed in the strike.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said one of its ambulances was in the convoy but that none of its team members were injured in the strike. The convoy was travelling to the Rafah border crossing—the sole exit route for the Gazans. Earlier this week, the crossing was opened to allow wounded Palestinians and foreign passport-holders to evacuate for the first time since the war began. The PRCS said the strikes directly hit a Ministry of Health ambulance and damaged another one belonging to PRCS, which was carrying a 35-year-old wounded woman in critical condition.
The IDF further stressed that the region is a battle zone and urged civilians to evacuate towards the south of the strip for safety.
Hamas rejects claims
The Gaza health ministry rejected Israel's claims that the Al Shifa hospital is a Hamas command centre, CNN reported. The hospitals are also used to treat patients, the hospital clarified, refuting Israel's claims that militants were being hidden in the medical facility.
The Hamas also refuted IDF's claims of ambulances being used to transfer operatives and called on the United Nations and the Arab nations to stop the bombing and destroying of the medical system.
PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday once again ruled out a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip until over 200 hostages are released. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who met the Israeli leader, pushed for a humanitarian pause to protect civilians and allow more aid into Gaza.