Israel Claims Responsibility for Strike on Ambulance in Gaza Hospital
Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel has claimed responsibility for an attack on an ambulance outside the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), a fighter jet targeted the ambulance, which was allegedly being used by Hamas personnel.
The IDF stated that they had identified a Hamas terrorist cell using the ambulance and took action to neutralize them. In a post on X, the Israeli military emphasized that the area in Gaza is a war zone, and civilians are repeatedly urged to evacuate southward for their own safety.
In a separate statement, the IDF asserted that the ambulance was being used in close proximity to a Hamas position in the battle zone. CNN reported that the military claimed a number of Hamas operatives were killed in the strike. Furthermore, Israel provided information indicating that Hamas frequently employs ambulances for the transfer of terrorists and weapons.
However, the UN Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) stated that a convoy of ambulances, evacuating patients from the Shifa hospital to the Rafah crossing with Egypt, was struck three times near the hospital. According to initial reports from the UN body, at least 13 people were killed and 26 injured.
Earlier, the Gaza-based Palestinian Health Ministry spokesman stated that the ambulance was part of a medical convoy traveling from the hospital to the Rafah border crossing, and the International Committee of the Red Cross had been informed of the movement.
The ICRC confirmed that it was aware of the planned movement of the convoy, but it was not directly involved in it. However, the ICRC emphasized that any violence towards medical personnel is unacceptable, even if they were not present during the attack. They stressed that no medical professionals should ever lose their lives while working to save others.
The UNRWA also reported on the severe shortage of fuel in Gaza, noting that one of the generators at the Al-Shifa Hospital had stopped working due to the lack of fuel. Although there is still one functioning generator, it can only cover about half of the hospital’s needs.
The dire situation in Gaza has resulted in the closure of 14 out of 35 hospitals with inpatient capacities, and 51 out of 72 primary care facilities have also been shut down or damaged due to fuel shortages and conflict.
As the conflict continues, the ramifications of attacks on healthcare facilities and the use of ambulances remain a critical concern. These incidents highlight the challenges faced by medical personnel in providing necessary care in a war zone. The international community urges all parties to respect the neutrality and sanctity of medical facilities and personnel, and to prioritize the protection of civilians during this time of crisis.
This article serves as a summary of the events surrounding the strike on an ambulance in Gaza and the differing accounts provided by Israel and the UNRWA. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.
