In a distressing development, an Israeli airstrike has struck an ambulance in close proximity to Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest healthcare facility in Gaza, leading to the tragic loss of 15 lives and leaving 60 others injured. The incident unfolded on Friday, November 3, 2023.
Israeli has acknowledged its role in the attack, asserting that the targeted ambulance was being utilized by a Hamas terrorist cell. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement, affirming, “An IDF aircraft struck an ambulance that was identified by forces as being used by a Hamas terrorist cell in close proximity to their position in the battle zone.”
The strike impacted a convoy of ambulances, resulting in multiple fatalities near Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. An AFP journalist present at the scene recounted witnessing multiple casualties beside a damaged ambulance.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) confirmed that one of its ambulances was part of the convoy, but fortunately, none of its team members sustained injuries in the strike. The ambulance incurred damage when a shell landed in its vicinity, as per the PCRS.
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This incident has sparked a global outcry, with widespread condemnation of the attack on medical personnel and facilities. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed that it had received a request to accompany the convoy prior to its departure. The ICRC stated, “Even if we were not present, this is still a medical convoy, and any violence towards medical personnel is unacceptable.”