Red Cross head calls Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital attack in Gaza 'appalling'

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) – The head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Wednesday called the attack on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza "appalling," urging all sides to put an end to human suffering.

"The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen in Gaza. What happened at Al Ahli Arab hospital is appalling," Jagan Chapagain said on X.

Chapagain underscored that humanitarian organizations must be given "safe and unhindered access" to provide life-saving.

"My urgent plea to all the parties is to put an end to this human suffering," he said and added: "We call on all parties to grant safe humanitarian access."

At least 471 people were killed and 342 others were injured in an Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza late Tuesday, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Wednesday. Israel, however, has denied responsibility for the air raid.

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

The conflict 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 growing violence by Israeli settlers.

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

UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for 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 figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.