On October 16, 2023, a massive explosion rocked a hospital in Gaza City, killing hundreds of people and injuring many more. The hospital, Al-Ahli Arabi, was crowded with patients and displaced people who had sought refuge from the ongoing Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Hospital Blast Strip. The blast was one of the worst incidents in the 11-day war between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza.
Who is responsible for the Gaza hospital blast?
The Gaza hospital blast has been a source of dispute and confusion, as both sides have blamed each other for the incident. The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza said that the blast was caused by an Israeli airstrike, and that it killed about 500 people, mostly civilians. However, the Israeli military denied any involvement, and said that the blast was caused by a failed rocket launch by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), another militant group in Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry released a video and a graphic that claimed to show evidence of PIJ’s responsibility. The video showed a barrage of rockets being fired from Gaza, passing near the hospital, and then exploding in mid-air. The graphic showed the trajectory of the rockets and the location of the hospital. The Israeli military said that it had intelligence from multiple sources that confirmed PIJ’s role in the incident.
Gaza Hospital Blast: The Deadly Incident That Sparked Outrage and Controversy
What are the consequences of the Gaza hospital blast?
The Gaza hospital blast has had devastating consequences for the people of Gaza and the prospects of peace in the region. The blast has added to the already high death toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 3,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands have been displaced by Israel’s relentless attacks. The blast has also sparked outrage and condemnation from the international community, which has called for an immediate ceasefire and an investigation into the incident. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he was “appalled” by the blast and that it was a “war crime” that violated international humanitarian law. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that it strongly condemned the attack on the hospital and that it demanded the protection of civilians and health care in Gaza. The US President Joe Biden announced a visit to Israel to show support for its right to self-defense, but also urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to de-escalate the situation and allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
Gaza Hospital Blast: The Deadly Incident That Sparked Outrage and Controversy
FAQ:
Q: How many people were killed or injured in the Gaza hospital blast?
A: According to the Gaza Health Ministry, about 500 people were killed and hundreds more were injured in the blast. However, these numbers have not been independently verified.
Q: What kind of hospital was Al-Ahli Arabi?
A: Al-Ahli Arabi was a private hospital owned by the Anglican Church. It was founded in 1907 and had 80 beds. It offered services such as surgery, maternity, pediatrics, radiology, and laboratory.
Q: How can I help the victims of the Gaza hospital blast?
A: You can help the victims of the Gaza hospital blast by donating to humanitarian organizations or agencies that are providing relief and assistance to Gaza. Some of these organizations include UNRWA, Oxfam, Islamic Relief, Doctors Without Borders, and Save the Children.