Perpetrators must be held accountable for Israeli attack on Gaza hospital: Bangladesh

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - Bangladesh on Wednesday condemned an airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in the Gaza Strip by Israel that killed hundreds of civilians, including children.

“This ruthless attack is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian laws and accords which constitutes a grave crime against humanity,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions, it added.

At least 471 people were killed in the strike late Tuesday, according to Palestinian officials in the besieged enclave.

Israel has denied responsibility for the strike.

Footage on social media showed bodies scattered across the hospital grounds.

Thousands of Palestinians were at the hospital when the building came under bombardment, according to an Anadolu reporter.

The conflict began 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.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

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

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.

UN chief Antonio Guterres urged an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the Israeli figure stands at more than 1,400.