'Shocked' China condemns Israeli strike on Gaza hospital, urges cease-fire

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) — China on Wednesday strongly condemned Israel's attack on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in central Gaza, saying it was "shocked" by the incident.

"We mourn for the victims and extend sympathies to the injured," said a Foreign Ministry statement in the wake of the attack Tuesday night that left hundreds dead.

Calling for an "immediate cease-fire and cessation of hostilities," Beijing called for "every possible effort to protect civilians and avert an even worse humanitarian disaster."

More than 500 people were killed in the Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital on Tuesday, according to Palestinian officials in the besieged enclave. Israel, however, has denied responsibility for the air raid.

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

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

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began 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.

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

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

At least 3,300 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.