Northern Cyprus condemns Israel’s airstrike on Gaza hospital

By Merve Berker and Mehmet Kemal Firik

ANKARA / LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (AA) – The president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on Tuesday condemned Israel’s “unacceptable” campaign of attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Speaking exclusively to Anadolu, Ersin Tatar said that he heard the news of Israel’s “saddening” Tuesday night bombing of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, killing over 500 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

“I am watching Israel's attacks targeting civilians with concern,” he said, adding: “These attacks are unacceptable.”

Tahsin Ertugruloglu, Northern Cyprus’ foreign minister, also denounced the “barbaric” attack.

“The tragic loss of life as a result of Israel's targeting of a hospital in Gaza, adding another of its attacks that directly target civilians, has left a black mark on human history,” he said.

“I strongly condemn the attack on civilians,” he stated. “I wish my condolences to the Palestinian people for the loss of life as a result of the barbaric attack and urgent healing to the injured.”

Ertugruloglu added: “I call on the international community, especially the UN, to take effective action to put an end to the atrocities and bring lasting peace to the region.”

The hospital airstrike came on day 11 in 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.

Palestinian group Hamas called the targeting of the hospital an act of "genocide."

- Siege and airstrikes

Eleven days into the conflict with Palestinian group Hamas, Israel's bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip has continued, with over one million people displaced – almost half of Gaza's total population, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees or UNRWA.

The fighting began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.

At least 3,061 Palestinians have been killed and 13,750 others have been injured in the ongoing Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, the Health Ministry in Gaza said.

More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed in the armed conflict.