African Union strongly condemns Israel's bombing of Gaza hospital

By Andrew Wasike and Mohammed Dhaysane

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - The African Union strongly condemned an Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza on Tuesday which killed more than 500 people.

"There are no words to fully express our condemnation of Israel's bombing of a Gaza hospital today, killing hundreds of people. Targeting a hospital, considered a safe haven under International Humanitarian Law, is a war crime. The International Community must act now," African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said in a statement.

Djibouti’s Health Minister Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh said the bombing of a hospital and using prohibited phosphorous ammunition is genocide.

He said bombs “will not quench the Palestinian people's thirst for freedom.”

The airstrike came on day 11 of the current conflict, with a growing international chorus of non-governmental groups and world leaders saying the Israeli bombing campaign on the besieged Gaza Strip – including healthcare facilities, homes and houses of worship – violates international law and may constitute a war crime.