In a recent statement, Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder has stated that the US Department of Defense does not intend to rely on media reports when assessing the reasons behind the missile strike on a hospital in the Gaza Strip. However, he mentioned that they are prepared to share their own data on the incident if available. This was reported by RIA Novosti.
Ryder emphasized that the Pentagon does not require media reports to conduct their evaluation of the incident.
The Baptist Al-Ahli Hospital in the Gaza Strip was attacked on October 17. Both sides, Palestinians and Israelis, have accused each other of the attack: the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that Israeli aircraft carried out the strike, while the Israeli military stated that a rocket launched by the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad (a banned organization in Russia) hit the hospital.
On the morning of October 7, Israel faced a massive rocket attack from the Gaza Strip as part of the “Flood of Al-Aqsa” operation announced by the military wing of the Palestinian Hamas movement. Hamas fighters also infiltrated southern Israel after a series of rocket strikes. In response, Israel launched the “Iron Swords” operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Over the course of several days, the Israeli army gained control of all border towns and conducted airstrikes on various targets, including civilian ones, within the territory. A complete blockade of Gaza was also announced, resulting in a halt in the supply of water, food, electricity, medication, and fuel.
Hamas stated that they hold around 200-250 prisoners in the Gaza Strip.
The death toll in Gaza continues to rise as the military operations continue. According to the Ministry of Health, since October 7, a total of 3,785 people have died in the Gaza Strip, including 1,524 children, 1,000 women, and 120 elderly individuals.
Furthermore, according to government officials, 12,493 individuals have been injured, including 3,983 children and 3,300 women.
During bilateral negotiations in Cairo on Thursday, King Abdullah II of Jordan and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt reaffirmed their joint position against the policy of collective punishment in Gaza, including sieges, hunger, and forced displacement, as stated by the Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan.
The leaders rejected any attempts to forcibly relocate Gaza residents to their countries. Additionally, political parties and state-linked institutions in Egypt have called for nationwide protests on Friday to show support for the Palestinians and President el-Sisi’s position.
US President Joe Biden plans to request approximately $100 billion for an additional national security package, including $40 billion in aid to Israel, later this week. The US Senate adopted a resolution on Thursday affirming support for Israel and the country’s right to self-defense while condemning Hamas attacks on civilians.
The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip will be opened from the Egyptian side on Friday morning for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, according to CNN, citing representatives of the Egyptian security service at the border crossing.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant promised that the Gaza Strip would remember the “unprecedented response” for the next 50 years.
