18-10-2023 (GAZA) A devastating explosion at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in central Gaza City has claimed the lives of at least 500 people, according to reports from multiple media outlets on Oct. 18 (Singapore time). The Palestinian Health Ministry, as cited by Al Jazeera and the Washington Post, confirmed the tragic incident.
The news of the explosion has sparked outrage and protests in various countries, with world leaders condemning the incident. However, there is a conflicting exchange of blame between Israelis and Palestinians regarding who is responsible for the tragedy.
The Hamas government in Gaza has accused the Israeli military of perpetrating the blast, labeling it a “war crime,” as reported by Al Jazeera. On the other hand, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee alleged in a tweet that the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza had launched a missile salvo towards Israel, which “passed in the vicinity of the hospital” at the moment of impact. Adraee stated that the group was responsible for the “failed rocket launch” that struck the hospital. However, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad denied any involvement in the attack, as reported by Reuters. They accused the Israeli military of attempting to evade responsibility for what they called a “brutal massacre” at the hospital.
The Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, is a medical facility with 80 beds, as reported by the Washington Post. Eileen Spencer, head of the American fundraising arm for the diocese, expressed concerns about the hospital’s fate, stating, “We don’t know if the hospital will still be standing.”
The Washington Post shared a verified video, posted by @lanasaiif on X (formerly Twitter), capturing the moment of the explosion on the hospital grounds. The video depicts a high-speed object followed by a blast, with the camera revealing flames and smoke.
????????The Israeli occupation bombed the Baptist Hospital and those inside it, and 500 martyrs have been martyred so far. Open your eyes, world.#GazaAttack #Gaza_under_attack pic.twitter.com/lnxumvTF4v
— L????????. (@lanasaiif) October 17, 2023
According to the BBC, hundreds of displaced Palestinians sought refuge in a hall on the hospital grounds when the explosion occurred. Disturbing images emerging from the scene depict scenes of chaos, with bodies amidst rubble and damaged vehicles.
Nebal Farsakh, a representative of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in the West Bank, spoke to Al Jazeera about the high number of casualties. Farsakh explained that Palestinians sought refuge at the hospital, believing it to be a safer location. She stated, “Those who were in front of the hospital were forced to leave their homes under the evacuation order. They can’t even afford to evacuate to the south. There’s complete destruction of the infrastructure and transportation.”
Following the terror attacks by Hamas militants from Gaza on Oct. 7, the Israeli military responded with airstrikes and initiated a siege on Gaza. Palestinians in the northern area of Wadi Gaza were ordered to evacuate to the south, as the military believes that Hamas militants are using tunnels beneath buildings in northern Gaza for shelter. Hamas, however, has urged residents not to evacuate. The initial 24-hour time limit for evacuation received criticism from world organizations and leaders. While the duration of the extension remains unclear, it appears to have been unofficially prolonged.
The blast at the hospital has drawn widespread condemnation from world leaders and jeopardized a scheduled meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden, Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, and Jordan’s King Abdullah. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas declared “three days of mourning” and cancelled his meeting with President Biden, who is en route to Israel.
The World Health Organization has reported that “internally displaced people” had sought shelter at the hospital and called for the immediate protection of civilians and healthcare facilities.
The incident has also sparked protests in the West Bank and countries such as Lebanon, Tunisia, and Turkey.
???????????????? MASSIVE PROTEST in Jordan after the bombing of the Gaza Hospital! pic.twitter.com/qtY4Fw94L8
— Jackson Hinkle ???????? (@jacksonhinklle) October 17, 2023
