In a tragic incident, an Israeli attack on an ambulance convoy near the al-Shifa Hospital in the besieged Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of several people and left dozens wounded, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The attack took place on Friday when a convoy of ambulances was transporting critically wounded patients from al-Shifa Hospital to the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
Ashraf al-Qudra, a spokesman for the health ministry in Gaza, stated that the Israeli strike occurred at the entrance to al-Shifa hospital, emphasizing that “several citizens were killed and dozens wounded.” He further added that the victims were clearly identified as they were lined up in the ambulances. The Israeli military has stated that it is currently investigating the report.
The Palestinian Red Crescent also confirmed that one of its ambulances was targeted in the attack near al-Shifa. Fortunately, the staff on board the ambulance remained unharmed. Mohamed Abu Musbah, the spokesman for the Palestinian Red Crescent, described the area where the ambulance was hit as “extremely crowded” with civilians.
Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza, is already facing severe overcrowding, with a bed occupancy rate of 164 percent, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). This dire situation is exacerbated by Israel’s ongoing bombardment and blockade of the territory. The health ministry revealed that at least 16 hospitals across Gaza are now non-operational due to damage caused by bombing and a lack of fuel.
The WHO has issued a warning, stating that the fuel shortage “immediately risks the lives” of the wounded and other patients. The situation in Gaza has been dire, with more than 9,200 people killed and 23,500 others wounded since Israel launched its bombardment of the territory on October 7, according to Palestinian authorities.
The Israeli assault on Gaza came as a response to an attack by Hamas fighters on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,400 people, primarily civilians, according to Israeli officials.
This incident is still developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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