(VOVWORLD) - At least 500 people were killed in a massive blast at a Gaza hospital on Tuesday, and hundreds more were injured or still under the rubble, Palestinian officials said.
 Buildings leveled by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City, October 10, 2023.(Photo AFP/VNA) |
All casualties, including doctors, patients, families, and refugees, were civilians.
Witnesses said at least two rockets hit the hospital’s treatment buildings, causing them to collapse. The attack targeted the hospital where hundreds of patients and thousands of refugees were sheltered. The strike occurred amid Hamas rocket attacks into central Israel.
The source of the rockets was unclear, possibly from Israeli airstrikes, possibly from misfired Hamas rockets. Hamas accused Israel, while the Israeli military spokesperson said the incident was 'under review.'
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas declared three days of mourning for the victims of the hospital strike.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday said the incident was "horrific and absolutely unacceptable."
The World Health Organization condemned the airstrike, said WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, calling for the immediate protection of civilians and health care in Gaza.
Russia and the United Arab Emirates have called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
The Israeli military said it has launched attacks on more than 200 locations in Gaza on 11 consecutive days.