At least 500 dead after attack on hospital: "Massacre"

The war between Israel and Hamas October 2023 

 

Emil Forsberg 

Published 2023-10-17 20.28  

 

News 

  

A hospital in Gaza City has been bombed.  

 

At least 500 people have died, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health.  

 

- The massacre is unprecedented, says Palestinian spokesman Mahmoud Basal. Several hundred Palestinians had gone to the al-Ahli Arab Baptist hospital to seek shelter, according to Reuters.  

 

Then a rocket hit the area, reports the news agency AP.  

 

At least 500 people are said to have died. According to Hamas, most of the victims in the hospital are displaced families, children and women.  

 

- The massacre at the Al-Ahli hospital is unprecedented in our history. While we have seen tragedies in recent wars and days, what occurred tonight constitutes genocide by any definition. I am speechless, says Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Palestine Civil Defense.  

Archive image. Archive image. Photo: Niclas Hammarström  

 

Israel initially stated to Aftonbladet that it was investigating whether it was their rocket. It then issued a new statement, denying its involvement and pointing out Palestinian Islamic Jihad as responsible. 

 

"It's a failed launch that hit the hospital," writes Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner on X. 

 

Palestinian Islamic Jihad has denied the allegations.  

 

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has declared three days of national mourning after the attack, according to state media. Abbas has also canceled the planned meeting with US President Joe Biden.  

 

Hamas is willing to release all civilian hostages within an hour if Israel stops bombing Gaza, a senior spokesman told  NBC News.

 

- I saw the data. I think it's part of Hamas' psychological warfare. But there is nothing that will save Hamas. This war will end with all our hostages being returned alive and healthy as when they were taken, says IDF spokesperson Jonathan Cornicus to Aftonbladet. 

 

Isn't it time to stop bombing to get back those who have been taken hostage? 

 

- I have no comment on that. This war ends when they are dead or surrender.