Organization of Islamic Cooperation slams Israel for bombing ambulances in Gaza

By Ikram Kouachi

ANKARA (AA) – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned on Friday the Israeli bombing of ambulances at the gate of Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

In a statement, the OIC said: “The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemns the heinous crime committed by the Israeli occupation by targeting ambulances at the entrance to the Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, which led to the death of dozens of innocent civilians, most of whom were wounded, sick, medical staff, women and children.”

At least 13 Palestinians were killed and 26 others injured on Friday in an Israeli bombing that targeted ambulances in front of the Al-Shifa Hospital.

In a statement, the Health Ministry in Gaza said: “13 Palestinians were killed and 26 others were injured as a result of the massacre committed by the occupation (forces) against ambulances at the gate of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex.”

The ministry said the ambulances were carrying a number of wounded people for treatment in Egypt.

The organization said this act “constitutes a war crime and a crime against humanity,” calling for “accountability and punishment under international criminal law.”

The organization also warned of “the danger of the collapse of hospitals due to direct targeting, power outages, and the depletion of medicines, medical and pharmaceutical supplies, and the fuel needed to operate electrical generators.”

The OIC renewed its call for the international community to “intervene urgently in order to immediately stop the military aggression and provide international protection for the Palestinian people.”

It also stressed the importance of “ensuring the arrival of medical, relief and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.”

The Israeli army has widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

More than 10,700 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 9,240 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.