Israeli Airstrike on Ambulance in Gaza Raises Concerns, Death Toll Mounts
Israel’s military has confirmed carrying out an airstrike on an ambulance in Gaza City, claiming it was being used by a Hamas terrorist cell. However, Palestinian health authorities dispute this, asserting that the vehicle was part of a convoy transporting wounded individuals from the besieged north of Gaza to the south. The strike resulted in at least 15 deaths and numerous injuries, intensifying the already dire situation in the region.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society, a humanitarian organization, has supported the claims made by Palestinian health authorities, adding to the controversy surrounding the incident. While the exact death toll and circumstances of the strike cannot be independently verified by NBC News, videos posted on social media depict chaotic scenes of bloodied individuals on the ground and damaged ambulances.
Earlier in the day, the Palestinian health ministry announced the departure of an aid convoy loaded with the wounded from Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was reportedly requested to accompany the convoy of ambulances. However, the ICRC clarified that it was merely informed about the convoy and was not involved in the operation, strongly condemning any violence directed at medical personnel.
According to Palestinian health authorities and the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the convoy had already reached a damaged road and changed course before one of the ambulances was hit. As the convoy headed back to Al Shifa hospital, another ambulance was struck in front of the facility, causing further casualties. The Palestine Red Crescent Society explained that the second ambulance was hit just meters away from the hospital’s gate and was carrying a 35-year-old individual in need of medical care in Egypt.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the airstrike on the ambulance, identifying it as being used by a Hamas terrorist cell in close proximity to their position in the battle zone. The IDF claimed that several Hamas operatives were killed in the strike. In response, Hamas denied the presence of fighters in the ambulance convoy, calling the IDF’s claims baseless. The IDF maintains that Hamas has a history of exploiting ambulances for the transportation of terrorists and weapons.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare workers in Gaza. A spokesperson for the Palestine Red Crescent Society called on the international community to intervene and ensure the protection of healthcare workers. The society also reported that at least eight ambulances have been disabled due to Israeli targeting since the conflict began.
António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, expressed outrage over the airstrike on the ambulance and called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire. He stressed the need to safeguard civilians, including medical personnel and infrastructure. Guterres condemned the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the scarcity of essential supplies and the escalating prevalence of diseases and respiratory illnesses among the population.
As calls for a cease-fire continue to escalate, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the idea of a temporary halt to the fighting, stating that Israel would persist with its offensive until the hostages taken in Hamas’ attack on October 7th are released. The situation in Gaza remains highly tense, and the impact on civilians continues to be devastating.
