A catastrophic Israel airstrike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital resulted in the death of more than 500 innocent patients, marking a dire episode in the ongoing conflict.
Israel airstrike targets al-Ahli Arab Hospital, claiming over 500 victims
The central Gaza Strip witnessed a horrendous tragedy as over 500 lives were lost due to an Israel airstrike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital, on Tuesday.
As reported by Al Jazeera, the hospital, a significant medical facility in the region, was targeted without prior warning, causing extensive destruction and a catastrophic loss of life.
The devastating event has been labelled by Zaher Sahloul of MedGlobal humanitarian organisation as “the worst attack on a medical facility in the 21st century.”
The incident has not only sent shockwaves through the international community but also significantly impacted the already strained relations in the region.
What was the death toll in Gaza on Tuesday, 17 October 2023?
The death toll in the Gaza Strip has now risen to 3,000, as per the health ministry’s reports, with continuous bombardment exacerbating the volatile situation in the besieged enclave.
The international community has voiced grave concern over the escalating violence, and the human cost it entails.
In the wake of these events, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) found itself in a delicate situation following a communication between Minister Naledi Pandor and Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh.
The phone call, initially perceived by critics as a gesture of support from South Africa to Palestine, necessitated a clarification from DIRCO.
The department issued a statement elucidating that the objective of the call was to discuss the facilitation of humanitarian aid to the beleaguered regions of Gaza and other Palestinian territories.
Minister Pandor expressed South Africa’s enduring support and solidarity with the people of Palestine during the call, mourning the loss of innocent lives on both Palestinian and Israeli sides.