The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group denied this Wednesday (18) Israel’s accusation of being responsible for the bombing of a hospital in the Gaza Strip.
The attack occurred on Tuesday night (17) and caused the death of over 500 people, according to Gaza authorities, but the exact death toll is still uncertain.
Hamas, which controls the territory, blamed Israel, which blamed the tragedy on a faulty Islamic Jihad rocket.
“Hospitals in the Gaza Strip received evacuation warnings before they were hit by the bombing, but no one in the international community intervened,” Islamic Jihad said, accusing Israel of spreading “contradictory versions” about the episode.
According to the Palestinian group, “the angle of the impact and the intensity of the fire demonstrate that it was an air attack.” Islamic Jihad also recalled the murder of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by Israeli forces, who initially sought to blame the crime on Palestinians.
The attack on Al-Ahli Hospital sparked worldwide dismay and protests against Israeli embassies in Arab countries.
“I am horrified by the killing of hundreds of Palestinian civilians in the attack on a hospital in Gaza, which I strongly condemn. Hospitals and medical staff are protected by international humanitarian law,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres, without point out the culprits.
The president of the European Union executive, Ursula von der Leyen, said the hospital had turned “into a fiery hell”, with “horrific and distressing” scenes, while the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, said stated that he was “deeply saddened”.
“While we await definitive confirmation on the dynamics of the events, we once again renew our commitment to protect the civilian population, resolve the most urgent humanitarian problems and ensure a rapid solution to the crisis”, underlined the Prime Minister.
To date, Gaza authorities have recorded 3,200 deaths and around 11,000 injuries in Israeli shelling, which in turn resulted in 1,400 casualties in attacks launched by Hamas on October 7.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari said the attack on Al-Ahli hospital was caused by a “defective rocket” fired at 6.59pm (local time ) by the Islamic Jihad organization from a nearby cemetery.
According to him, there is also a recording of a conversation between Palestinian fighters which would confirm the launch of a faulty missile.
Visiting Israel, US President Joe Biden appeared to support the view and said the explosion was caused “from the other side”.
Shortly before, still on Air Force One, the president had said he was “indignant” at the attack, which had led to the cancellation of a meeting with the presidents of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), Mahmoud Abbas, and the Egypt, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, and the king of Jordan, Abdullah II. .
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
